ES2812924T3 - Cartridge and drum unit used in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Cartridge, mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, said cartridge comprising a tiltable coupling element (86; 286; 386), wherein the main assembly includes a portion (14; 214; 314) rotary coupling to engage with said coupling element (86; 286; 386), and a coupling guide (300b; 400b; 330b), positioned downstream of an axis of rotation of the part (14; 214 ; 314) of coupling with respect to a mounting direction of said cartridge, so that it is contacted by said coupling element (86; 286; 386) inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the part (14; 214; 314) of coupling to guide said coupling element (86; 286; 386) to be parallel to the axis of rotation of the coupling part (14; 214; 314), said cartridge being able to be mounted in the main assembly in the mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the part (14; 214; 314) coupling, said cartridge comprising: a frame (71, 76; 376; 476; 576); a rotating element (62), for transporting a developer; and a rotary force receiving element (87), to receive a rotational force that will be transmitted to said rotary element (62); said coupling element (86; 286; 386) including a free end part (86a; 286a; 386a) having a force receiving part (86e1, 86e2; 286e1, 286e2), to receive the rotational force from the coupling part (14; 214; 314), and a connecting part (86c; 386c), having a force transmitting part (86b1, 86b2), for transmitting the rotational force received by said force receiving part (86e1, 86e2; 286e1, 286e2) to said force receiving element (87), said coupling element (86; 286; 386) being able to be inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of said force receiving element (87) , said frame (71, 76; 376; 476; 576) including: an orifice portion (76i; 476i), for exposing said free end portion (86a; 286a; 386a) to the exterior of said frame (71, 76; 376; 476; 576), and a receiving part (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) of the coupling guide, arranged downstream of said hole part (76i; 476i) with with respect to the mounting direction, to receive said element (86; 286; 386) coupling when said coupling element (86; 286; 386) is inclined to a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, and to receive said coupling guide (300b; 400b; 330b) in place of said element Coupling (86; 286; 386) in the coupling of said coupling element (86; 286; 386) with the coupling part, wherein said receiving part (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) of the guide guide The coupling includes a recess (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) arranged in said frame (71, 76; 376; 476; 576), extending from said hole portion (76i; 476i) downstream with respect to the direction of mounting, wherein said recess (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) is recessed to avoid interference with said mating guide (300b; 400b; 330b) when said cartridge is mounted in said main assembly in the mounting direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Cartridge and drum unit used in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus

[TECHNICAL SECTOR]

The present invention relates to a cartridge that can be mounted in an electrophotographic type imaging apparatus, such as a laser beam printer.

[STATE OF THE PRIOR ART}

In the field of electrophotographic type imaging apparatuses, the structure is known in which elements such as a photosensitive drum and a developing roller as rotating elements contributing to imaging are unified as a cartridge that can be removably mounted on a main assembly of the image forming apparatus (main assembly). Here, to rotate the photosensitive drum in the cartridge, it is desirable to transmit a driving force thereto from the main assembly. It is known, for this purpose, to transmit the driving force through the coupling between a coupling element of the cartridge and a driving force transmitting part, such as a driving pin on the side of the main assembly of the apparatus.

In some types of imaging apparatus, a cartridge is removable in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum. In a known main assembly, the driving pin of the main assembly is moved in the direction of the axis of rotation by an opening and closing operation of a cover of the main assembly. More specifically, JP 2008-233867 A discloses a structure in which a coupling element arranged in an end portion of the photosensitive drum is pivotable with respect to the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum. With this structure, the coupling element arranged in the cartridge is coupled with the actuating pin arranged in the main assembly, whereby the actuating force is capable of being transmitted from the main assembly to the cartridge, as is known.

Another relevant prior art is disclosed in US Patents 2009/317131 A1, WO 2008/081966 A1 and WO 2010/024457 A1. US Patent 2009/317131 A1 discloses a cartridge mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the cartridge comprising a tiltable coupling element, wherein the main assembly includes a rotatable coupling part to be coupled with the coupling element, and a coupling guide to be brought into contact by means of the coupling element inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the coupling part to guide said coupling element, said cartridge being able to be mounted in the main assembly in the mounting direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coupling part, said cartridge comprising a frame, a rotating element for carrying a developer; a rotary force receiving rotary element for receiving a rotational force to be transmitted to said rotary element, wherein said coupling element includes a free end part having a force receiving part for receiving rotary force from the coupling part, and a connecting part having a force transmitting part for transmitting the rotational force received by said force receiving part to said force receiving element, said coupling element being tiltable with respect to a axis of rotation of said force receiving element, wherein said frame includes a hole portion for exposing said free end portion to the outside of said frame, and a coupling guide receiving portion, arranged downstream of said hole part with respect to the mounting direction, to receive said coupling element when said coupling element is It is inclined to a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction.

[CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INVENTION]

The present invention has the objective technical problem of providing a further improvement of the prior art described above.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a cartridge having the features of claim 1. Other advantageous developments are set out in the dependent claims.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a main assembly of the imaging apparatus and a cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a disassembled perspective view of the cartridge, according to the embodiment.

Figure 4 is an illustration of the behavior in the assembly and disassembly of the cartridge with respect to the main assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is an illustration of the behavior in the assembly and disassembly of the cartridge with respect to the assembly main with a pivoting action of the coupling element, according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an illustration of the coupling element, according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an illustration of a clearance space of the coupling element, according to this embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of a drum unit, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an illustration of the behavior when mounting the drum unit in a cleaning unit.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the drive-side flange unit in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view and a sectional view of a drive-side flange unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an illustration of a drive-side flange unit mounting method according to the embodiment.

Fig. 13 is an illustration of a support member, according to the embodiment.

Fig. 14 is an illustration of a support member, according to the embodiment.

Figure 15 is an illustration of a behavior of the pivoting of the coupling element with respect to an axis L1, in this embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a drive part of a main assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a disassembled view of the main assembly drive portion, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is an illustration of a drive part of the main assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is an illustration showing the state in the process of assembling the cartridge in the main assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is an illustration showing the state in the process of assembling the cartridge in the main assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is an illustration showing the state in which the assembly of the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus has been completed, in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 is an illustration of a coupling guide in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 is an illustration of cartridge removal from the main assembly in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 is an illustration of cartridge removal from the main assembly in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is an illustration showing the state in the process of assembling the cartridge in the main assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 shows the coupling element and a coupling part of one side of the main assembly in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27 is an illustration of the release operations between the coupling element and the main assembly side coupling part when the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention, is mounted and disassembled from the main assembly.

Figure 28 is an illustration of a coupling guide, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 shows a coupling element and a drive pin in the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 30 is an illustration of the cartridge and coupling guide in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 31 is an illustration of a support member, according to one embodiment.

Figure 32 is an illustration of a support member, according to one embodiment.

Figure 33 is an illustration of a support member, according to one embodiment.

[EMBODIMENTS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION]

With reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

Herein, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus is an imaging apparatus using an electrophotographic type process. In the electrophotographic type process, an electrostatic image formed on a photosensitive element is developed with toner. The development system may be a one-component development system, a two-component development system, dry-type development, or another system. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum comprises a drum shaping cylinder and a photosensitive layer thereon, which can be used with an electrophotographic type imaging apparatus.

The process means includes a charging roller, a developing roller, etc., which can be driven on the photosensitive drum, for imaging. In a process cartridge, this cartridge includes the photosensitive element or process means (cleaning blade, developing roller or the like) related to image formation. In the embodiment, a process cartridge comprises the photosensitive drum, the charging roller, the developing roller, and the cleaning blade as one unit.

More specifically, it is a laser beam printer of the electrophotographic type widely usable as a multifunction machine, facsimile machine, printer or the like. The numerals or reference characters in the following Descriptions are to refer to the drawings and do not limit the structure of the present invention. Dimensions or the like in the following descriptions are for clarification of relationships and do not limit the structure of the present invention.

A longitudinal direction of the process cartridge, in the following description, is a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the process cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. A longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (direction intersecting with a sheet feed direction). One side of the process cartridge in the longitudinal direction thereof, where the photosensitive drum receives a rotating force from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, is a drive side (driven side), and the opposite side is a drive side. no drive. In the following description, an upper part (upper side) is based on the direction of gravity in the state that the imaging apparatus is installed, unless otherwise described, and the opposite side is a lower part. (lower side).

<Realization 1>

Next, the laser beam printer according to this embodiment will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The cartridge in this embodiment comprises a photosensitive drum, such as a photosensitive element (image support element, rotating element), and processing means, including a developing roller, a charging roller and a cleaning blade as a unit ( process cartridge). The cartridge can be removably mounted on the main assembly. The cartridge is provided with a rotating element (gear, photosensitive drum, flange, developing roller) which can rotate by a rotating force from the main set Ad between them, an element for transporting and feeding a toner image is called an element of transport.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an imaging structure and process of the laser beam printer such as the electrophotographic imaging apparatus will be described. And now, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the structure of the process cartridge will be described in detail.

1. Laser beam printer and imaging process

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a main assembly A of a laser beam printer (main assembly of the apparatus) which is an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a process cartridge (cartridge B). Figure 2 is a sectional view of the process cartridge B.

The main assembly A is part of the laser beam printer other than the process cartridge B.

Referring to Fig. 1, the structure of the laser beam printer in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus will be described.

The electrophotographic imaging apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is a laser beam printer using electrophotographic technique, and in connection with a main assembly from which the process cartridge B can be assembled and disassembled. When the process cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A of the apparatus, the process cartridge B is arranged below a laser scanner unit 3 as the exposure medium (exposure device), with respect to the direction of gravity.

Below the process cartridge B, a sheet tray 4 contains the sheets P (recording materials) on which the images are formed by the image forming apparatus.

Furthermore, the main assembly A of the apparatus comprises a pick-up roller 5a, a pair of feed rollers 5b, a pair of feed rollers 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a feed guide 8, a clamping device 9, a pair of discharge rollers 10 and a discharge tray 11, arranged in the named order from an upstream side along a sheet feed direction X1. The fixing device 9, as the fixing means, comprises a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the imaging process will be described.

In response to a print start signal, a rotating photosensitive drum 62 (drum 62) rotates at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in an arrow R.

A charge roller 66 supplied with a bias voltage is brought into contact with an outer peripheral surface of drum 62 to electrically charge the outer peripheral surface of drum 62 evenly.

The laser scanner unit 3, as the exposure medium, emits a laser beam L modulated according to the image information input to the laser beam printer. The laser beam L passes through an exposure window 74 arranged on the upper surface of the process cartridge B and strikes, scanning, on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62. In this way, a part of the charged photosensitive element is electrically discharged , so that the electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, in a developing unit 20 such as a developing device, a developer (toner T) in a toner chamber 29 is stirred and fed by rotating a feed screw. 43 as a feed element in a toner supply chamber 28.

The toner T, as a developer, is transported on a surface of a developing roller 32 as a developing medium (process medium, rotating element) by a magnetic force from a magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 functions as a rotating element to transport and feed the developer to a development zone to develop an electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive element. The toner T to be fed to the developing zone is set in a layer thickness on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 3 by a developing blade 42. The toner T is triboelectrically charged between the developing roller. 32 and developing blade 42.

The electrostatic image formed on the drum 62 is developed (displayed) by the toner T to be transported to the surface of the developing roller. Drum 66 rotates in the direction of an arrow R, carrying a toner image provided by development.

As shown in Figure 1, in a timed relationship with the output of the laser beam, the sheet P is fed from the sheet tray 4 arranged at the bottom of the main assembly A of the apparatus, the take-up roller 5a, the pair of feed rollers 5b and the pair of feed rollers 5c.

Sheet P is supplied in a transfer position (transfer nip) that is between drum 62 and transfer roller 7, along transfer guide 6. In transfer position, the toner image it is transferred sequentially from the drum 62 as the image carrier element to the sheet P as the recording material.

The sheet P having the transferred toner image is separated from the drum 62 as an image support member and fed to the fixing device 9 along the feed guide 8. The sheet P passes through a pinch line of fixing formed between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b in the fixing device 9. In the fixing nip line, the toner image not fixed on the sheet P is pressed and heated so that it is fixed on the Sheet P. Next, the sheet P having the fixed toner image is fed by the pair of discharge rollers 10 and discharged into the discharge tray 11.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, on the surface of the drum 62 after the toner T is transferred to the sheet, the non-transferred toner that has now been transferred to the sheet remains on the surface of the drum. The non-transferred toner is removed by a cleaning blade 77 which contacts the peripheral surface of the drum 62. In this way, the remaining toner in the drum 62 is removed, and the clean drum 62 is reloaded or used for cleaning. following imaging process. The toner (non-transferred toner) removed from the drum 62 is stored in a waste toner chamber 71b of a cleaning unit 60.

In this case, the charging roller 66, the developing roller 32, and the cleaning blade 77 function as processing means acting on the drum 62. In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the non-transferred toner is removed. by the cleaning blade, but the present invention is applicable to a type (type without cleaner) in which the non-transferred toner is adjusted to the electrical charge and then collected simultaneously with the development by the developing device. In the type without cleaner, a charging assist element (auxiliary charging brush or the like) for adjusting the electrical charge of the non-transferred toner also functions as a processing medium.

2. Process cartridge structure

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the structure of the process cartridge B will be described in detail.

Figure 3 is a disassembled perspective view of process cartridge B as the cartridge. A process cartridge frame can be disassembled into a series of units. In this embodiment, the process cartridge B comprises two units, namely the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20. In this embodiment, the cleaning unit 60 including the drum 62 is connected with the developing unit 20 by means of two connecting pins 75, but the present invention is not limited to such a case and, for example, a three-unit structure may be employed. The present invention is also applicable to a case where the units are not connected by coupling elements such as pins, but a part of the units is interchangeable.

The cleaning unit 60 comprises a cleaning frame 71, drum 62, charging roller 66, cleaning blade 77, and others. An end part of the drive side of the drum (cylinder) 62 as a rotary member is provided with a coupling member 86 (coupling) as a drive force transmitting part. To the drum 62 as a rotating element, a driving force is transmitted from the main assembly through the coupling element 86 (coupling). In other words, the coupling (coupling) member 86 as a drive transmission part is arranged at the end part (driven side end part) where the drum 62 is driven by the main assembly A of the apparatus.

As shown in Fig. 3, the drum 62 (photosensitive drum), as a rotating element, is rotatable about an axis of rotation L1 (axis L1) as the axis of the drum (axis of rotation of the drum 62). The coupling element 86, as a driving force transmission element, is rotatable about a rotation axis L2 (axis L2), as a coupling axis (axis of rotation of the coupling). The coupling element 86, as the drive transmission element (driving force transmission part), can be tilted (pivoted) with respect to the drum 62. In other words, the axis L2 can be tilted with respect to the axis L1 , as will be described in detail hereinafter.

On the other hand, the developing unit 20 comprises a toner housing container 21, a closure element 22, a development container 23, a first side element 26L (drive side), a second side element 26R (drive side). drive), a developing blade 42, a developing roller 32 and a magnetic roller 34. The toner container 21 contains toner T as the developer therein, provided with a feed screw 43 (stir blade) as feeding element to feed the toner. The developing unit 20 is provided with a spring (coil spring 46 in this embodiment), as a biasing element for applying a biasing force to regulate the arrangement of the developing unit 20 and the cleaning unit 60 relative to each other. Furthermore, the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are rotatably connected to each other by connecting pins 75 (connecting pins, pins) as connecting elements to constitute the process cartridge B.

More specifically, the arm portions 23aL, 23aR arranged opposite the end portions of the developing container 23 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 20 (axial direction of the developing roller 32) are arranged in the rotation holes 23bL and 23bR of the free end parts. The rotation holes 23bL, 23bR are in parallel with the axis of the developing roller 32.

The longitudinal opposite end portions of the cleaning frame 71, which is a frame (housing) of the cleaning unit, are provided with respective holes 71a for receiving the connecting pins 75. The arm portions 23aL and 23aR are aligned with a predetermined position of the cleaning frame 71, and the connecting pins 75 are inserted through the rotation holes 23bL and 23bR and the holes 71a. Thus, the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are rotatably connected to each other around the connecting pins 75 as connecting elements.

At this time, the coil spring 46, as a biasing element mounted on the base portion of each of the arm portions 23aL and 23aR, rests on the cleaning frame 71, so that the developing unit 20 is pushed towards the cleaning unit 60 around the connecting pin 75.

With this, the developing roller 32, as a process medium, is safely pushed towards the drum 62 as a rotating element. The opposite end portions of the development roller 32 are provided with respective ring-shaped spacers (not shown) as gap holding elements, whereby the development roller 32 is separated from the drum 62 by a predetermined gap.

3. Assembly and disassembly of the process cartridge.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, a description will be made of the assembly and disassembly operation of the process cartridge B in relation to the main assembly A of the apparatus.

Figure 4 is an illustration of the assembly and disassembly of the process cartridge B in relation to the main assembly A of the apparatus. Part (a) of Fig. 4 is a perspective view, as seen from the non-drive side, and part (b) is a perspective view, as seen from the drive side. The drive side is a longitudinal end portion in which the coupling element 86 of the process cartridge B is arranged.

The main assembly A of the apparatus is provided with a revolving door 13. Figure 4 shows the main assembly in a state that the door 13 is open.

Inside the apparatus, the main assembly A of the apparatus is provided with a drive head 14 as a mating part of the main assembly side, and a guide element 12, as a guide mechanism. The drive head 14 is a main assembly side drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive force to the cartridge mounted therein through engagement with cartridge engaging member 86. By rotating the drive head 14 after engagement, the rotational force can be transmitted to the cartridge. The drive head 14 can be viewed as a main assembly side coupling in the sense that it is coupled with the process cartridge B coupling to transmit the drive force. The drive head 14, as the main assembly side coupling part, is rotatably supported by the main assembly A of the apparatus. The drive head 14 includes a drive shaft 14a as a part of the shaft, drive pins 14b as engaging parts for applying the rotational force ((b3) of Figure 5). In this embodiment, it is in the form of a drive pin, another structure may be employed, for example, a projection (projection) or projections protruding from the drive shaft 14a outwardly in a radial direction, and the driving force is transmitted from the surface of the boss to the cartridge. As a further alternative, a drive pin 14a may be press fit into the hole provided in drive shaft 14a, and then welded. In (b1) to (b4) of Figure 5, the shaded parts indicate cut surfaces. The same applies to later drawings.

The guide element 12 is a main assembly side guide element for guiding the process cartridge B in the main assembly A of the apparatus. The guide element 12 may be a plate-like element provided with a guide groove, or an element for guiding the process cartridge B on the lower surface of the process cartridge B while supporting it.

Referring to Figure 5, a description will be made regarding the assembly and disassembly process of the process cartridge B in relation to the main assembly A of the apparatus, while the coupling element 86 as the force transmission part drive is tilting (pivoting, oscillating, rotating).

Fig. 5 is an illustration of the assembly and disassembly of the process cartridge B in relation to the main assembly A while the driving force transmission part is tilting (pivoting, oscillating, rotating). Parts (a1) to (a4) of FIG. 5 are enlarged views of the coupling element 86 and the parts around it as viewed from the drive side toward the non-drive side. Parts (b1) of Figure 5 are a sectional view (section view S1) taken along a line S1-S1 of (a1) of Figure 5. Similarly, (b2), ( b3) and (b4) of figure 5 are sectional views (section views S1) taken along lines S1-S1 of (a2), (a3) and (a4) of figure 5.

The process cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A of the apparatus in the process of (a1) to (a4) of Figure 5, and (a4) of Figure 5 shows the state in which the assembly of the process cartridge B in the main assembly A of the apparatus has been completed. In Figure 5, the guide element 12 and the drive head 14 are shown as the parts of the main assembly A of the apparatus, and the other elements are parts of the process cartridge B.

An arrow X2 and an arrow X3 in figure 5 are substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation L3 of the drive head 14. The direction indicated by arrow X2 will be called direction X2, and the direction indicated by arrow X3 will be called direction X3 . Similarly, the X2 direction and the X3 direction are substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the drum 62 of the process cartridge. In Figure 5, the direction indicated by the arrow X2 is a direction in which the process cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A of the apparatus (downstream with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge). The direction indicated by the arrow X3 is a direction in which the process cartridge B is removed from the main assembly (upstream with respect to the cartridge mounting direction). An assembly and disassembly direction contains the directions indicated by arrow X2 and arrow X3. Assembly and disassembly are carried out in the respective directions. The directions can be described upstream with respect to the mounting direction, downstream with respect to the mounting direction, upstream with respect to the removal direction, or downstream with respect to the removal direction, depending on the convenience of the Explanation.

As shown in figure 5, the process cartridge B is provided with a spring as a biasing element (elastic element). In this embodiment, the spring is a torsion spring 91 (braided coil spring, rebound spring). The torsion coil spring 91 biases the coupling element in such a way that a free end portion 86a of the coupling element is inclined towards the drive head 14. In other words, it biases the coupling element 86 such that in In the assembly process of the process cartridge B, the free end portion 86a is inclined downstream with respect to the mounting direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive head 14. The process cartridge B advances towards the main assembly of the apparatus A tilting this arrangement (state) of the free end portion 86a of the coupling element 86 toward the drive head 14 (a detailed description will be made below).

On the axis of rotation of the drum 62 is the axis L1, the axis of rotation of the coupling element 86 is the axis L2, and the axis of rotation of the drive head 14 operating on the main assembly side coupling part is the L3 axis. As shown in (b1) to (b3) of Figure 5, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 and the L3 axis. The axis of rotation of the drive head 14 is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 14a. A drive-side flange 87 is disposed at an end portion of the drum 62 and is rotatable integrally with the drum 62, and therefore the axis of rotation of the drive-side flange 87 is coaxial with the drum rotation axis 62.

When the process cartridge B is inserted to the point shown in (a3) and (b3) of FIG. 5, the coupling element 86 comes into contact with the drive head 14. In the example of (b3) of Fig. 5, the drive pin 14b as the rotational force applying part is brought into contact with a bearing part 86k1 of the coupling element. By the contact, the position (tilt) of the coupling element 86 is regulated, so that the amount of tilt (pivot) of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 (axis L3) gradually decreases.

In this embodiment, the drive pin 14b, as the engaging part, is brought into contact with the bearing part 86k1 of the coupling element. However, depending on the phases of the coupling element 86 and the drive head 14 in the direction of the rotary movement, the part where the coupling element 86 and the drive head 14 contact each other is different. Therefore, the contact positions in this embodiment are not limiting of the present invention. It will be sufficient if a part of the free end portion 86a of the coupling element (the detail will be described later) contacts a portion of the drive head 14.

When the process cartridge B is inserted in the final assembly position, the L2 axis is substantially coaxial with the L1 axis (L3 axis) as shown in parts (a4) and (b4) of Figure 5. In In other words, the axes of rotation of the coupling element 86, the drive head 14, and the drive-side flange 87 are substantially coaxial.

By coupling the coupling element 86 provided in the process cartridge B with the drive head 14 as the main assembly side coupling part in this way, the transmission of the rotational force is enabled from the main assembly to the cartridge. . When the process cartridge B is disassembled from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the process is reciprocal, that is, from the state of (a4) and (b4) to the state of (a1) and (b1) in figure 5. From Similar to the mounting operation, the coupling element 86 is inclined with respect to the axis L1, so that the coupling element 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14 as the main assembly side coupling part. That is, the process cartridge B moves in the direction X3 opposite to the direction X2 substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation L3 of the drive head 14, and the coupling element 86 disengages from the drive head 14. The movement of the cartridge Process B in direction X2 or direction X3 can only occur near the assembly end position. In a position other than the assembly completion position, the process cartridge B can be moved in any direction. In other words, it will be sufficient if a track of the movement of the cartridge immediately prior to engagement or disengagement of the engagement element 86 with respect to the drive head 14 is the predetermined direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation L3 of the drive head 14 .

4. Coupling element

Referring to FIG. 6, the coupling member 86 will be described. Regarding the direction of rotation, the clockwise direction can be called the clockwise direction of rotation, and the counter-clockwise direction can be called the counter-clockwise direction of rotation. The direction R of the rotary movement in Figure 6 is counterclockwise when the cartridge is viewed from the drive side to the non-drive side.

For better explanation, an imaginary line will be drawn in a flat view, and an imaginary plane will be drawn in a perspective view. When a series of imaginary lines are to be used, a first imaginary line, a second imaginary line, a third imaginary line or the like will be used. Similarly, when a series of imaginary planes are to be used, an imaginary first plane, an imaginary second plane, an imaginary third plane, or others will be used. The inside of the cartridge (toward the inside of the cartridge) and the outside of the cartridge (toward the outside of the cartridge) are based on the cartridge frame, unless otherwise mentioned.

Part (a) of Figure 6 is a side view of the coupling element 86. Part (b) of Figure 6 is a sectional view S2 of the coupling element 86 along a line S2-S2 of part (a) of Figure 6. Part (b) of Figure 6 shows the coupling with the drive head 14 as the main assembly side coupling part, without cutting.

Part (c) of Fig. 6 shows a state in which the coupling element 86 is engaged with the drive head 14. This is a view of the coupling element 86 and the drive head 14 as seen in the direction indicated by an arrow V1 of part (a) of figure 6 from outside the end part of the drive side (end surface) of the cartridge and the drive head 14. Part (d) of the Figure 6 is a perspective view of the coupling element 86. The part (e) of Figure 6 shows a proximity of a free end part 86a (to be described later), as viewed in the direction along the receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2 to receive the force of rotation (direction V2 in part (c) of figure 6).

As shown in Figure 6, the coupling element 86 mainly comprises three parts. Briefly, it comprises two end parts and a part between them.

A first part is a free end part 86a that can be coupled with the drive head 14 as the main assembly side engagement part to receive the rotational force from the drive head 14. The free end part 86a includes an opening 86m that expands to the drive side.

A second part is a substantially spherical connecting part 86c (housed part). The connecting part 86c is pivotally clamped (connected) by a drive side flange 87 which is a force receiving element. One side of the drum end part (cylinder end part) is provided with a drive side flange 87, and the other side of the end part is provided with a non-drive side flange 64.

The first part can be considered to include one side of the end part of the coupling element, and the second part can be considered to include the other side of the end part of the coupling element. The second part can be considered to include a center of rotation when the coupling element rotates (pivots) in the state that the coupling element is held by the drive-side flange 87.

A third part is an interconnection part 86g which connects the free end part 86a and the connection part 86c together.

In this case, a maximum rotation diameter $ Z2 of the interconnection part 86g is less than a maximum rotation diameter $ Z3 of the connection part 86c ($ Z2 <$ Z3), and is less than a maximum rotation diameter $ Z1 of free end part 86a ($ Z2 <$ Z1). In other words, a diameter of at least a part of the interconnection part 86g is less than a diameter of a part of maximum diameter of the connection part. In addition, a diameter of at least a part of the interconnection part 86g is less than a diameter of a maximum diameter part of the free end part 86a. These diameters are the maximum diameters around the axis of rotation of the coupling element, and are the maximum diameters of imaginary circles of the respective cross-sectional parts of the coupling element in an imaginary horizontal plane, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coupling element. .

The maximum diameter of rotation $ Z3 of the connecting part 86c is greater than the maximum diameter of rotation of the free end part 86a ($ Z3> $ Z1). With such relationships, when the coupling element 86 is inserted into a hole having a diameter not less than $ Z1 and not greater than $ Z3 from the side of the free end portion 86a, the coupling element 86 does not penetrate through hole. For this reason, when a unit including the coupling element 86 is assembled, and thereafter, the coupling element is prevented from coming out of the unit in which the coupling element is inserted. In this embodiment, the maximum rotation diameter $ Z1 of the free end portion 86a is greater than the maximum rotation diameter $ Z2 of the interconnecting part 86g and is less than the maximum rotation diameter $ Z3 of the connecting portion. 86c ($ Z3> $ Z1> $ Z2).

These maximum rotational diameters $ Z1, $ Z2 and $ Z3 can be measured as shown in part (a) of figure 6. More specifically, the diameters of the respective parts of the coupling element are measured in longitudinal sections that they include the axis of rotation of the coupling element, and the maximum measurements of the respective parts are the maximum diameters. The diameters can be based on a three-dimensional view shape provided by the rotation of the coupling element about the axis of rotation. More specifically, with respect to each of the parts, a point farthest from the axis of rotation in the radial direction is determined. When the point rotates about the axis of rotation of the coupling element, a track of the point is used as an imaginary circle, and the diameter of the imaginary circle is considered as the maximum diameter of rotation of the part.

As shown in part (b) of Figure 6, aperture 86m includes a conically shaped receiving surface 86f as an expanding portion that expands toward drive head 14 in the state in which element 86 The coupling is mounted on the main assembly A of the apparatus. The receiving surface 86f is provided by the member having an outer peripheral surface in the free end portion, and a recess 86z is formed in the free end portion by the outwardly projecting receiving surface 86f. Recess 86z includes an aperture 86m (aperture) on a side opposite drum 62 (cylinder) with respect to axis L2.

As shown in parts (a) and (c), on a circumference extending around the axis L2 in part end of the end of the free end portion 86a, two clamping portions 86d1 and 86d2 are arranged in positions of central symmetry with respect to the axis L2. Supporting parts 86k1 and 86k2 are circumferentially arranged between clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2. In this embodiment, a pair of projections are provided, but only one of said projections may be provided. In such case, the abutment part is the part between the downstream side of the boss and the upstream side of the boss with respect to the clockwise direction. The abutment portions are the spaces required so that the drive pins 14b of the drive head 14 provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus remain without coming into contact with the clamping portions 86d. The gaps are larger than the diameters of the drive pin 14b, as the engaging part for applying the rotational force.

The spaces function as clearances when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly A of the apparatus. In the radial direction of the coupling member 86, the recess 86z is within the clamping portions 86d1 and 86d2. The width of the clamping portion 86d in the diametrical direction is substantially equivalent to the width of the abutment portion.

As shown in part (c) of Figure 6, when the transmission of the rotational force from the drive head 14 to the coupling member 86 is expected, the drive pins 14b for applying the rotational force are in the supporting parts 86k1 and 86k2, respectively (preparatory position or supporting position). Furthermore, in the part (d) of Fig. 6, on the upstream sides of the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 with respect to a direction of rotation indicated by an arrow R, receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2 are arranged to receive a rotational force in a direction that intersects the direction R (part (a) of figure 6), respectively. Direction R in the figure is the direction in which the coupling rotates in image formation as a result of receiving the driving force from the drive head 14 of the main assembly.

The drive head 14 for transmitting the drive to the process cartridge B and the drive pins 14b constitutes a drive transmission mechanism. An element can have a number of functions, depending on the configuration of the drive head. In such a case, a surface of an element that is actually in contact and transmits the drive is the element that constitutes the drive transmission mechanism.

In the state that the coupling member 86 is engaged with the drive head 14 and the drive head 14 is rotating, the surfaces of the drive pins 14b on the side of the main assembly come into contact with the side surfaces of the drives. receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 of the coupling element 86. Thus, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive head 14 as a main assembly side coupling part to the coupling element 86 as a drive transmission part.

In the base parts of the receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2, concave notches (clearance spaces) 86n1 and 86n2 are provided from the bearing parts 86k1 and 86k2 towards the connecting part 86c. Referring to FIG. 7, the notches 86n1 and 86n2 will be described in detail. Part (b) of figure 7 is a section S3 of part (a) of figure 7.

Figure 7 shows a state in which the coupling member 86 is inclined along the drive pins 14b to apply the rotational force, from the state in which the drive pins 14b are in contact with the parts of reception 86e1 and 86e2. As shown in Fig. 7, the notches 86n1 and 86n2 are arranged to avoid interference between the bearing parts 86k1 and 86k2 and the drive pins 14b when the coupling element 86 is inclined in the state that the receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2 and the drive pins 14b are in contact with each other. Therefore, when all of the bearing portions 86k1 and 86k2 are cut toward the connecting portion 86c, or when the drive pins 14b are shortened, the notch may not be provided. However, in this embodiment, the notches 86n1 and 86n2 are arranged taking into account that if all of the bearing portions 86k1 and 86k2 are cut toward the connecting portion 86c, the stiffness of the coupling member 86 may decrease. As shown in part (c) of Fig. 6, to stabilize the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling element 86, the receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2 are preferably arranged at the positions of central symmetry with respect to the axis L2. Thus, the transmission radius of the rotational force is constant, and therefore the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 is stabilized. Furthermore, in order to stabilize the position of the coupling member 86 receiving the rotational force, it is preferred that the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 are arranged in diametrically opposite positions (180 ° opposite). Specifically in case there is no flange around the receiving part and the abutment part in the free end part, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the number of receiving parts is two. In the case of an annular flange extending around the outer periphery of the receiving part, the receiving parts are not exposed when viewed from a position radially outward along the axis of rotation. Therefore, the receiving parts are relatively easily protected during the transport of the cartridge, regardless of the position of the coupling element. However, with the structure in which the receiving parts are not seen from the outside along the axis of rotation of the coupling element due to the position of the flange, the flange tends to interfere with the mating part.

As shown in parts (d) and (e) of Figure 6, in order to stabilize the position of the coupling element 86 receiving the rotational force, it is desirable that the receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2 are inclined an angle 03 with respect to the axis L2, so that the free end parts approach the axis L2. This is because, as shown in part (b) of Figure 6, due to the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling element 86, the coupling element 86 is attracted towards the drive head 14 as in part coupling on the main assembly side. In this way, the conical receiving surface 86f is brought into contact with the spherical surface portion 14c of the drive head 14, whereby the position of the coupling element 86 is further stabilized.

In this embodiment, the number of clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 is two, but this number is not restrictive for the present invention and may be different as long as the drive pins 14b can enter the bearing parts 86k1 and 86k2. However, due to the need for the drive pins 14b to enter the bearing parts, increasing the number of the clamping parts may require the reduction of the clamping parts per se (width in the circumferential direction at the part (c) of Figure 6). In such a case, it is preferred that two (a pair of) projections are provided, as in this embodiment.

Furthermore, the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 may be radially arranged inside the receiving surface 86f. Or, the receiving portions 86e1 and 86e2 may be arranged at positions radially outside the receiving surface 86f with respect to the axis L2. However, in this embodiment, the driving force of the drive head 14 is received by the side surfaces of the clamping portions 86d1, 86d2 that protrude from the receiving surface 86f in a direction away from the drum 62 along the axis of rotation. Therefore, the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 of the free end part 86a for receiving the driving force from the main assembly apparatus of the apparatus are exposed. If an annular flange is arranged in contact with the projections (fasteners), the flange will interfere with a part around it when the coupling element 86 is inclined and thus the inclinable angle of the coupling element 86. coupling is limited. Furthermore, the position of the annular flange may require that the parts around it be arranged so as not to interfere, with the result of increasing the size of the cartridge B.

Therefore, since the structure does not have a part other than the positions of reception of the actuation force (the clamping parts 86d1, 86d2 in this embodiment) it can contribute to the reduction of the size of the cartridge B (and of the main assembly TO). On the other hand, without the flange surrounding the projections, the possibility of the projections being actuated by the other parts during transportation increases. However, as will be described later, by biasing the coupling member 86 by a spring, the clamping portions 86d1 and 86d2 can be accommodated within an outermost configuration portion of the support member 76. Thus, the possibility of damage to the fastening parts 86d1, 86d2 during transportation can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the protruding amount Z15 of the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 of the bearing parts 86k1 and 86k2 is 4 mm. This magnitude is preferred for securely coupling the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 with the drive pins 14b without interference of the support parts 86k1 and 86k2 with the drive pins 14b, but it can be different depending on the precision of the part. However, if the bearing portions 86k1 and 86k2 are too far from the drive pin 14b, the formation when the drive is transmitted to the coupling member 86 may increase. On the other hand, if the protruding amount of the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 is increased, the cartridge B and / or the main assembly A of the apparatus may increase in size. Therefore, the protruding amount Z15 is preferably in the range of not less than 3mm and not more than 5mm.

In this embodiment, the length of the free end portion 86a in the direction of the axis L1 is approximately 6mm. Therefore, the length of a base part (part other than the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2) of the free end part 86a is about 2 mm, and as a result, the length of the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 in the direction of the L1 axis is greater than the length of the base part (part other than the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2).

An inner diameter Z4 of the receiving parts 86e1 and 86e2 is greater than the maximum rotational diameter Z2 of the interconnecting part 86g. In this embodiment, $ Z4 is greater than $ Z2 by 2mm.

As shown in FIG. 6, the connecting portion 86c comprises a substantially spherical shape 86c1 having a pivot center C substantially on the axis L2, arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2, and a hole portion 86b.

The maximum diameter of rotation $ Z3 of the connecting part 86c is greater than the maximum diameter of rotation $ Z1 of the free end part 86a. In this embodiment, $ Z3 is greater than $ Z1 by 1mm. As for the spherical part, a substantial diameter can be compared, and, if partially cut for convenience of molding, the diameter of an imaginary sphere can be compared. The arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2 lie in an arcuate plane arranged extending an arcuate configuration having the same diameter as the portion of 86g interconnection. The hole portion 86b is a through hole that extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis L2. The through hole 86b includes first inclination regulated portions 86p1 and 86p2 and transmission portions 86b1 and 86b2 parallel to axis L2.

The first tilt-regulated portions 86p1 and 86p2 have flat surface configurations equidistant from the center C of the spherical portion 86c1 (Z9 = Z9). The transmission parts 86b1 and 86b2 have flat surface configurations equidistant from the center C of the spherical part 86c1 (Z8 = Z8). The diameter of the pin 88 pivotally supporting the coupling member 86 through the hole portion 86b is 2mm. Therefore, the coupling member 86 can be tilted if Z9 is greater than 1mm. When Z8 is 1mm, the pin 88 can pass through the hole portion, and if Z8 is larger than 1mm, the coupling member 86 can rotate about the axis L1 by a predetermined amount.

The end portions, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis L2, of the orifice portion 86b of the first pitch regulated portions 86p1, 86p2 extend to the outer edges of the arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2. The end portions, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis L2, of the hole portion 86b of the transmission portions 86b1, 86b2 extend to the outer edge of the spherical portion 86c1.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, the interconnection part 86g has a cylindrical shape connecting the free end part 86a and the connection part 86c, and is a column shaft (or cylindrical) part that extends substantially along axis L2.

The material of the coupling element 86 in this embodiment can be a resin material such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, PPS, liquid crystal polymer. The resin material may contain glass fibers, carbon fibers or the like, or metal introduced therein, to improve rigidity. Furthermore, the entire coupling element 86 is made of metal or the like. In this embodiment, a metal is used which is preferred from the point of view of reducing the size of the coupling. More specifically, it is made of a cast zinc alloy. A part of the spherical surface of the connecting part 86c is cut in the part near the interconnecting part 86g at the free end side 86a. Furthermore, the configuration of the coupling element is designed so that the total length including the first to third parts is not greater than about 21 mm. The length from the pivot center C to the free end portion that engages the drive pin of the main assembly, measured in the longitudinal direction, is not more than 15 mm. With decreasing distance from the center of pivot of the coupling element, the distance through which the coupling retracts from the drive pins when the coupling is tilted the same angle decreases. In other words, if the coupling element is shortened in order to reduce the size of the cartridge, it is necessary to increase the pivotable angle required to exit the drive pin. The free end part 86a, the connection part 86c, and the interconnection part 86g may be integrally molded, or they may be arranged by connecting different parts. In the state where the photosensitive drum, the coupling element and the flange supporting the coupling element are removed from the cartridge, the coupling element can be tilted in any inclination directions. 5. Structure of the drum unit

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the structure of the photosensitive drum unit U1 (drum unit U1) will be described.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of the drum unit U1, in which part (a) is a perspective view, as seen from the drive side, part (b) is a perspective view, as seen from the non-drive side, and part (c) is a perspective view with the parts removed. Fig. 9 is an illustration of the assembly of the drum unit U1 with the cleaning unit 60.

As shown in Fig. 8, the drum 62, the drum unit U1 comprises a drive-side flange unit U2 for receiving the rotational force of the coupling member, the non-drive-side flange 64 and a plate grounding device 65. The drum 62, as a rotating element, comprises an electrically conductive element of aluminum or the like and a surface photosensitive layer thereon. Drum 62 can be hollow or solid.

The drive side flange unit U2, as a force receiving member to which the rotational force is transmitted from the coupling member, is arranged at the drive side end portion of the drum 62. More specifically, such As shown in part (c) of Fig. 8, in the drive-side flange unit U2, a fixed portion 87b of the drive-side flange 87, which is a force-receiving element, is engaged in an opening 62a1 at the end of drum 62, and is attached to drum 62 by gluing and / or clamping or the like. When the drive-side flange 87 rotates, the drum 62 also rotates integrally therewith. Drive-side flange 87 is attached to drum 62 such that an axis of rotation is a flange axis of drive-side flange 87 substantially coaxial with axis L1 of drum 62.

The term "substantially coaxial" herein means fully coaxial and approximately coaxial, where they are slightly offset due to part manufacturing tolerances. The same applies to the following descriptions.

Similarly, the non-drive-side flange 64 is disposed at the non-drive-side end portion of the drum 62 substantially coaxially with the drum 62. In this embodiment, the drive-side flange 64 is made of resin material. As shown in part (c) of Fig. 8, the non-drive side flange 64 is attached to the opening 62a2 in the longitudinal end portion of the drum 62 by gluing and / or clamping or the like. The non-drive side flange 64 is provided with an electrically conductive grounding plate 65 (main metal). The grounding plate 65 is in contact with the inner surface of the drum 62 and is electrically connected to the main assembly A of the apparatus.

As shown in Fig. 9, the drum unit U1 is supported by the cleaning unit 60.

On the non-drive side of the drum unit U1, a shaft receiving portion 64a (part (b) of Fig. 8) of the non-drive side flange 64 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 78 . The drum shaft 78 is press-fitted to the support portion 71b provided on the non-drive side of the cleaning frame 71.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 9, on the drive side of the drum unit U1, a support member 76 is arranged to contact and support the flange unit U2. A wall surface (plate-like part) 76h as a base part (fixed part) of the support member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 by screws 90. In other words, the support member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame. 71 using the screws. The drive-side flange 87 is supported by the cleaning frame 71 and the support member 76 (the support member 76 will be described later). The support member is provided with protrusions inside and outside the cartridge, respectively with respect to a reference surface which is a plate-like portion 76h of the support member 76. The support member 76, which is the support member, is a part of the cartridge frame, and therefore the projection of the support member 76 can be considered as a frame projection (projection). Similarly, the projection (first projection) for receiving the thrust force of the main assembly A and the projection (second projection) for mounting the spring can be considered as projections extending from the frame, because the support element 76 It is mounted on the body of the cartridge frame. To guarantee the resistance or in view of the contraction in the molding of the resin material, the support element 76 and the frame of the cartridge can be provided with a lightening rib, a groove and / or a recess arranged in a position not described. .

In this embodiment, the support member 76 is attached to the cleaning frame 71 by screws 90, but may be attached by gluing or by cast resin material. The cleaning frame 71 and the support member 76 may be integrally manufactured.

6. Drive side flange unit

Referring to Figures 10, 11 and 12, the structure of the drive side flange unit U2 will be described.

Figure 10 is a disassembled perspective view of the drive-side flange unit U2, in which part (a) is a view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) is a view as seen from the non-drive side. Fig. 11 is an illustration of the drive-side flange unit U2, in which part (a) is a perspective view of the drive-side flange unit U2, part (b) is a view, in section, taken along S4-S4, of part (a) of figure 11, part (c) is a view, in section, taken along S5-S5, of part ( a) of Fig. 11. Fig. 12 is an illustration of a mounting procedure for the drive-side flange unit U2.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the drive-side flange unit U2 comprises the coupling member 86, the pin 88 (shaft), the drive-side flange 87, and a closure member 89 as a locking member. regulation. Coupling element 86 can be coupled with drive head 14 to receive rotational force. The plug 88 has a substantially circular (or cylindrical) column configuration, and extends in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1. The pin 88 receives the rotational force from the coupling member 86 to transmit the rotational force to the drive-side flange 87. The pin 88, like the shaft part, is provided with a rotation regulating part to limit the rotation of the coupling element in the direction of the rotary movement by contacting a part of the through hole to transmit the through coupling with the through hole of the element. coupling. Also, it is provided with a pivoting adjustment portion to limit pivoting of the coupling element by coming into contact with a portion of the penetration shaft to limit pivoting of the plug 88 and coupling element 86.

The drive-side flange 87 receives the drive force from the pin 88 to transmit the rotational force to the drum 62. The closing member 89 as a regulating member functions to prevent disengagement of the coupling member 86 and the pin 88 to the flange 87 on the drive side. In this way, the coupling element 86 is capable of assuming various positions with respect to the flange 87 on the drive side. In other words, the coupling member 86 is pivotally held about a pivot center, to adopt a first position, a second position that is different from the first position or another. As for the free end part of the coupling element, it can adopt various positions (one position, a second position different from the first position).

As described above, the drive-side flange unit U2 comprises a number of elements, and the drive-side flange 87 as a first element and the closing element 89 as a second element are unified in one flange. Drive-side flange 87 functions both to receive drive from pin 88 and to transmit drive to drum 62. Rather, closure member 89 is substantially out of contact with the interior of drum and supports pin 88 together with the flange 87 on the drive side.

Referring to Figure 10, the constituent elements will be described.

As described above, the coupling member 86 includes the free end portion 86a and the connecting portion 86c (housed portion). The connecting part 86c is provided with a through hole part 86b. The inside (inner wall) of the hole part 86b has transmission parts 86b1 and 86b2 for transmitting the rotational force to the pin 88. The inside (inside wall) of the hole part 86b is also provided with first parts regulated in tilt 86p1 and 86p2 as tilt-regulated portions to be brought into contact with the pin 88 to limit the amount of tilt of the coupling element 86 (also part (b2) of FIG. 15). A part of the peripheral surface of the pin 88 as part of the shaft functions as the pitch regulating part (first pitch regulating part).

The drive-side flange 87 includes the fixed portion 87b, a first cylindrical portion 87j, an annular groove portion 87p, and a second cylindrical portion 87h. The fixed part 87b is fixed to the drum 62 to transmit the driving force by being in contact with the inner surface of the drum cylinder 62. The second cylindrical part 87h is arranged inside the first cylindrical part 87j in the radial direction, and the annular groove part 87p is arranged between the first cylindrical part 87j and the second cylindrical part 87h. The first cylindrical part 87j is provided with a gear part (helical gear) 87c radially on the outside, and is provided with a supported part 87d radially on the inside (annular groove part 87p side). The gear portion 87c is preferably a worm gear from the viewpoint of the transmission property of the drive, but a spur gear can be used. The second cylindrical part 87h of the drive side flange 87 has a hollow configuration and has a cavity as a housing part 87i therein. The housing portion 87i houses the connecting portion 86c of the coupling element 86. On the drive side of the housing part 87i, a conical part 87k is provided as the part to prevent disengagement (cantilever part) to limit the disengagement of the coupling element 86 towards the drive side, by contact with the connecting part 86c. More specifically, the conical portion 87k contacts the outer periphery of the connecting portion 86c of the coupling element 86 to prevent disengagement of the coupling element. More specifically, the conical portion 87k contacts the substantially spherical portion of the connecting portion 86c to prevent disengagement of the coupling member 86. Therefore, the minimum inside diameter of the conical part 87k is smaller than the inside diameter of the housing part 87i. In other words, the conical part 87k protrudes from the inner surface of the housing part 87i towards the center of the axis of the coupling element (hollow part side) to contact the peripheral surface of the connection part 86c, to avoid decoupling.

In this embodiment, the conical part 87k is a central shaft coaxial with the L1 axis, but it can be a spherical part or a junction with the L1 axis. The drive side of the conical part 87k is provided with an opening 87m so that the free end part 86a of the coupling element 86 protrudes, and the diameter of the opening 87m ($ Z10) is greater than the maximum diameter of rotation $ Z1 of the free end portion 86a. On another drive side of the aperture 87m, a second tilt adjustment part 87n is arranged as another tilt adjustment part which is in contact with the outer periphery of the coupling element 86 when the coupling element 86 is inclined (pivoted ). More specifically, the second tilt regulating part 87n contacts the interconnecting part 86g as a second tilt-regulated part when the coupling member 86 is tilted. A gear part 87c transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 32. The supported part 87d is supported by a support part 76a of the support member 76 (support member) and is arranged on the rear side of the gear 87c with respect to to the direction of the thickness of the same. These are coaxial with axis L1 of drum 62.

The structure is such that when the coupling element 86 is in contact with the first inclination adjustment part, the angle of inclination is smaller than when the coupling element 86 is in contact with the second inclination adjustment part, such as will be described later.

The housing part 87i inside the second cylindrical part 87h is provided with a pair of groove parts 87e (recesses) which extend in parallel with the axis L1, 180 ° apart from each other, about the axis L1. The groove part 87e opens towards the fixed part 87b in the direction of the axis L1 of the drive side flange 87 and continues towards the hollow part 87i in the diametrical direction. The lower part of the groove part 87e is provided with a retaining part 87f which is a surface perpendicular to the axis L1. The recess 87e is provided with a pair of receiving portions 87g to receive the rotational force from the pin 88, as will be described later. (At least a part of) the groove part 87e and (at least a part of) the annular groove part 87p overlap each other in the direction of the axis L1 (part (b) of Fig. 12). Therefore, the drive side flange 87 can be shortened.

The closure element 89 as a regulating element is provided with a conical base part 89a, a hole part 89c, arranged in the base part 89a, and a pair of protruding parts 89b at positions approximately 180 ° apart from each other, around the axis of the base part. The protruding part 89b includes a longitudinal direction regulating part 89b1 at a free end with respect to the direction of the axis L1.

In this embodiment, the drive side flange 87 is a molded resin material made by injection molding, and the material thereof is polyacetal, polycarbonate, or the like. The drive-side flange 87 may be made of metal, depending on the torque of the load. In this embodiment, the drive-side flange 87 is provided with a gear portion 87c, to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 32. However, the rotation of the developing roller 32 may not be performed by means of the flange 87 on the drive side. In such a case, the gear portion 87c can be omitted. The gear portion 87c is disposed on the drive-side flange 87, since, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the gear portion 87c is integrally molded together with the drive-side flange 87.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the support member 76 will be described in detail. Fig. 13 is an illustration showing only the support member 76 and the parts around it of the cleaning unit U1. Part (a) of Figure 13 is a perspective view, as seen from the drive side. Part (b) of Figure 13 is a sectional view, taken along a line S61-S61 of part (a) of Figure 13, part (c) of Figure 13 and part ( d) of Figure 13 are perspective views. Part (e) of Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along a line S62-S62 of part (a) of Figure 13. Figure 14 is a perspective view of element 76 support, part (a) of figure 14 is a view as seen from the drive side, and part (b) of figure 14 is a view as seen from the non-drive side and, also, it shows the drive-side flange 87 for the convenience of explanation. Part (c) of Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along plane S71 of part (b) of Figure 14.

As shown in Fig. 14, the support member 76 mainly comprises a plate-like part 76h, a first protruding part 76j protruding from the plate-like part 76h in one direction (drive side), a of support 76a as a second protruding part that projects from the plate-like part 76h in the other direction (non-drive side). The support member 76 further comprises a cutout portion 76k as a retracted portion (receiving portion). The cutout portion 76k as the retracted portion (receiving portion) is recessed from a reference surface of the support member 76, and in this embodiment, it is a groove portion extending to the downstream side with respect to the direction of mounting. The recess is preferably in the shape of a groove, from the viewpoint of ensuring the rigidity of the support member 76, but the shape is not limited to this example. The recess in the reference surface is called the retracted portion, because it allows the coupling element to tilt and retract, thereby avoiding interference between the coupling and the side drive pin on the side of the main assembly. In other words, the recess of the reference surface is the receiving part. This is because the inclined coupling element enters the recessed part. A main assembly side coupling guide to be described below is capable of entering the recess. It is not necessary that the entire coupling element and / or the coupling guide enter the recess, but it is necessary that at least a part of it can enter. Therefore, the recess provided in the cartridge frame is a space to allow retraction of the coupling and is a receiving part for receiving the coupling element or the like.

More specifically, it will be sufficient if the coupling element sloping downstream with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge slopes (retracts) more than towards the directions, and the recess can have an expansive shape. The shape of the retracted part (receiving part) is not limited to a slot, but will suffice if it is a recess that extends downstream beyond the axis of rotation of the flange, with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge. . The first protruding part 76j is arranged in a radially inner part with a hollow part 76i for accommodating the coupling element 86, and the hollow part 76i is spatially connected with the cut-out part 76k, the cut-out part 76j 1 arranged in a part of the first salient part 76j. The cutout portion 76k, like the retracted portion, is arranged downstream of the hollow portion 76i with respect to the mounting direction (X2) of the process cartridge B. Therefore, when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, the Coupling element 86 is retractable (highly pivotable) inside the cutout portion 76k like the retracted portion.

Furthermore, the cylindrical support portion 76a enters the annular groove portion 87p of the drive-side flange 87, to rotatably support the supported portion 87d.

Furthermore, the first protruding part 76j is provided with a cylindrical part 76d and a spring receiving part 76e which functions as a guided part and a first positioned part when the process cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A of the apparatus. On one side of the free end of the cutout portion 76k with respect to the mounting direction (X2), a free end portion 76f is provided which functions as a second positioned portion. The cylindrical part 76d and the free end part 76f are arranged at the different positions in the direction of the axis L1, with the plate-like part 76h and the cutout part 76k between them, and have concentric arcuate configurations having different diameters.

In this embodiment, the first cylindrical part 87j, the annular groove part 87p, the second cylindrical part 87h, and the groove part 87e are superimposed in the direction of the axis L1. Therefore, the support part 76a of the support member 76 entering the annular groove part 87p, the pin 88, the 86c1 of the coupling member 86 and the gear part 87c are superimposed in the direction of the axis L1. As described above, the support member 76 is provided with the cutout portion 76k recessed toward the non-drive side beyond the plate-like portion 76h, and, when the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted), a part of the coupling element 86 is housed in the cutout portion 76k. With this structure of the parts around the coupling element 86, the amount of inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 can be safely increased, while reducing the magnitude of the protrusion of the support element 76 and / or the element 86. coupling to the drive side compared to the gear portion 87c. In this case, overlap means that when the parts of an object stick out on an imaginary line, the parts overlap. In other words, an imaginary plane (reference plane) is determined, onto which the parts are projected, and if the projected parts are superimposed on the imaginary plane, the parts are superimposed.

As shown in part (e) of Fig. 13, when the coupling member 86 is inclined towards the cutout part 76k, the outermost configuration of the first protruding part 76j in the direction of the axis L1 is out (parts of clamping 86d1, 86d2) of the coupling element 86. With this, the risk that the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 of the coupling member 86 collide with the other part during transportation can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the developing roller 32 pushes the drum 62 in the direction indicated by an arrow X7, as described above. That is, the drum unit U1 is pushed toward the cutout portion 76k. The support portion 76aR of the cut-out side of the support portion 76a that supports (the drive-side flange 87 of) the drum unit U1 is provided with the cut-out portion 76k. The support portion 76aL on the opposite side that does not have the cutout portion 76k has a greater stiffness than that of the support portion on the side of the trimmed portion 76aR. Therefore, in this embodiment, the supported portion 87d is arranged on the back side of the gear portion 87c with respect to the thickness direction, to receive the inner surface of the drive-side flange 87. Thus, the drum unit U1 is substantially supported by the supporting part 76aL on the opposite side. That is, the supporting part on the side of the cutout portion 76aR having a lower stiffness receives a smaller load, so that the supporting portion 76a is not easily deformed.

As shown in Fig. 13, the torsion coil spring 91, as the biasing means (biasing element), is arranged in a position that is on the disengagement side of the shaft L1 of the flange 87 on the side of drive with respect to the mounting and dismounting direction of the coupling element 86 and which is below the axis L1. The torsion coil spring 91 includes a cylindrical coil portion 91c, a first arm 91a extending from the coil portion 91c, and a second arm 91b (first end portion, second end portion). As the spiral portion 91c is supported (locked) by a hook portion 76g of the spring, the spring is mounted on the support member 76. The hook portion 76g of the spring has a cylindrical portion that is higher than the coil portion 91c to prevent the torsion coil spring 91 from disengaging from the hook portion 76g of the spring. The hook portion 76g of the spring has a portion having a substantially D-shaped configuration, and the protrusion penetrates the coil portion 91c, whereby the torsion coil spring 91 is mounted on the cartridge. In the state that the torsion coil spring 91 is mounted, the diameter of the coil portion 91 is larger than the diameter of the hook portion 76g of the spring. The hook portion 76g of the spring protrudes from the longitudinal end portion of the cartridge frame toward the exterior of the cartridge along the direction of the axis of rotation of the drive-side flange.

The first arm 91a of the torsion coil spring 91 is in contact with a receiving part 76n of the spring of the support member 76, and the second arm 91b thereof is in contact with a connection 86g or a receiving part 86h of the spring. of the coupling element 86. With this, the torsion coil spring 91 is biased by a biasing force F1 in such a way that the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86 faces toward the side of the cutout portion 76k. The width Z11 of the cutout portion 76k is greater than the diameter Z1 of the free end portion 86a of the coupling member 86, and therefore, the free end portion 86a is free to move up and down. The coil portion 91c of the spring The torsion coil 91 is below the axis L1, and therefore the free end portion 86a and the coupling member 86 are pushed down by the pushing force F1 and by gravity. Thus, the axis L2 of the coupling element 86 is inclined towards the cutout portion 76k with respect to the axis L1, and the free end portion 86a is inclined to contact the bottom surface 76k1. In this embodiment, the free end portion 86a assumes a position below the axis L1 by the biasing force F1 of the torsion coil spring 91. As will be described later in conjunction with Fig. 23, the coupling member 86 is inclined so that the free end portion 86a thereof assumes the position lower than the axis L1.

As described above, the free end portion 86a of the coupling element 86 is inclined in the direction of approach to the drive head 14, by the torsion coil spring 91. Depending on the mounting direction X2, the direction of gravity, from the weight of the coupling element 86 or otherwise, the free end portion 86a of the coupling element 86 is directed in the X2 direction due to the weight of the coupling element. In such a case, the coupling element 86 can be directed towards the desired direction using gravity without the provision of the torsion coil spring 91 as the biasing means (biasing element). The coupling member 86 of this embodiment is urged by the torsion coil spring 91 to contact the lower side surface of the slot-shaped cutout 76k. In this way, the coupling element is sandwiched between the torsion coil spring and the underside surface of the groove, so that the position of the coupling element is stabilized. By properly arranging the torsion coil spring 91, for example, the coupling member can be brought into contact with the surface of the upper portion of the cutout 76k in the form of the slot configuration. However, the coupling position can be stabilized more in the case of using gravity than in the case of using the biasing force of the spring against gravity.

Referring to Figure 11, a description will be made of the support procedure and the procedure for connecting the constituent parts.

The position of the pin 88 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 62 (axis L1) is limited by the retaining part 87f and the regulating part in the longitudinal direction 89b1, and its position in the direction of rotary movement (direction R) of the drum 62 is limited by receiving part 87g. The pin 88 penetrates the hole portion 86b of the coupling member 86. The clearance between the hole portion 86b and the pin 88 is established to allow rotation of the coupling member 86. With such a structure, the coupling element 86 is capable of tilting (pivoting, oscillating, rotating) in any directions with respect to the drive-side flange 87.

By contacting the connecting part 86c of the coupling member 86 with the housing part 87i, the movement of the drive side flange 87 in the radial direction is limited. As the connection portion 86c is in contact with the base portion 89a of the closure member 89, movement from the drive side to the non-drive side is limited. Furthermore, due to the contact between the spherical portion 86c1 and the conical portion 87k of the drive-side flange 87, the movement of the coupling member 86 from the non-drive side to the drive side is limited. Due to the contact between the pin 88 and the transmission parts 86b1, 86b2, the movement of the coupling element 86 in the direction of the rotary movement (direction R) is limited. In this way, coupling member 86 is connected to drive-side flange 87 and pin 88.

In this case, as shown in part (d) of Fig. 11, the width Z12 of the hole part 86b is greater than the diameter Z13 of the plug 88. Thus, the coupling element 86 and the plug 88 are connected to each other with a play in the direction of rotational movement (direction R) of the drum 62, and therefore, the coupling element 86 can rotate a predetermined amount about the axis L.

As described above, the position of the coupling element 86 in the direction of the axis L1 is limited by contact with the base portion 89a or the tapered portion 87k, but due to part tolerances the element 86 of coupling becomes movable in the direction of axis L1 over a small distance.

Referring to Fig. 12, a mounting procedure of the drive-side flange unit U2 will be described.

As shown in part (a) of Fig. 12, the pin 88 is inserted into the through hole part 86b of the coupling element 86.

Next, as shown in part (a) of figure 12, the plug 88 and the coupling element 86 are inserted into the housing part 87i (along the axis L1) with the phase of the plug 88 coinciding with the pair of groove portions 87e of the drive-side flange 87.

As shown in part (b) of Fig. 12, the pair of protruding parts 89b of the closing element 89, like the regulating element, are introduced into the pair of groove parts 87e, and, in this state, the closing element 89 is fixed to the flange 87 of the drive side by welding or gluing.

In this embodiment, the diameter Z1 of the free end portion 86a of the coupling element 86 is less than the diameter Z10 of the opening 87m. In this way, the coupling element 86, the pin 88 and the closure element 89 can all be mounted on the drive side, and therefore the mounting is easy. Furthermore, the diameter Z3 of the connecting part 86c is smaller than the diameter of the opening 87m, so that the spherical surface part 86c1 and the conical part 87k can be brought into contact with each other. In this way, disengagement of the coupling element 86 towards the drive side can be prevented, and the coupling element 86 can be clamped with great precision. Due to the relationship of $ Z1 (<$ Z10) <$ Z3, the drive side flange unit U2 can be easily mounted, and the position of the coupling element 86 can be maintained with great precision.

7. Tilting (pivoting) operation of the coupling

Referring to FIG. 15, the tilting (pivoting) operation of the coupling member 86 will be described.

Figure 15 is an illustration of the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 (including axis L2) with respect to axis L1. Parts (a1) and (a2) of FIG. 15 are a perspective view of the process cartridge B in the state in which the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). Part (b1) of Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along a line S7-S7 of (a1) of Figure 15. Part (b2) of Figure 15 is a sectional view , taken along a line S8-S8 of (a2) of Figure 15.

Referring to Fig. 15, the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 around the center of the sphere of the connecting part 86c will be described.

As shown in (a1) and (b1) of Figure 15, the coupling element 86 is capable of inclining about the axis of the plug 88 about the center of the sphere of the connection portion 86c with respect to the axis L1 . More specifically, the coupling element 86 is capable of tilting (pivoting) such that the second tilting part (an interconnecting part 86g of the part) is in contact with the second tilting part 87n of the flange. 87 on the drive side. In this case, the angle of inclination (pivot) with respect to the axis L1 is a second angle of inclination 02 (second magnitude of the inclination, second angle). The phase relationship between the hole part 86b and the clamping parts 86d1, 86d2 are selected such that either of the clamping part 86d1 and the clamping part 86d2 takes a forward position with respect to the direction in which the coupling element 86 is inclined (direction of arrow X7) when the coupling element 86 is inclined around the axis of the pin 88. More specifically, the hole part 86b and the clamping parts 86d1, 86d2 are arranged in such a way so that the free end 86d1 of the clamping part 86d1 is not less than 59 ° and not more than 77 ° with respect to an imaginary line that penetrates through the center of the hole part 86b (06 and 07) in the part (e) of Figure 11). Angles 06 and 07 are not limited to the examples, and are preferably in the range of not less than about 55 ° and not more than about 125 °. With such a structure, when one of the clamping parts 86d1, 86d2 is in a forward position with respect to the inclination of the coupling element 86, the pin 88 assumes a large angle position (no less than about 55 ° and no greater of about 125 °) with respect to the direction of inclination of the coupling element 86. The coupling member 86 may then be tilted to or close to the second magnitude of the tilt, that is, it may tilt to a greater magnitude than the first magnitude of the tilt which will be described later. In this way, the free end 86d1 can be retracted to a great extent in the direction of the axis L1.

As shown in (a2) and (b2) of Figure 15, the coupling member 86 is capable of tilting (pivoting) with respect to the axis L1 about the center of the sphere of the connecting portion 86c about the perpendicular axis. to the axis of the plug 88 to the point that the first tilt-regulated portions 86p1 and 86p2 come into contact with the plug 88. Due to the phase relationship described above between the hole portion 86b (plug 88) and the clamping 86d1, 86d2, the coupling member 86 tilts (pivots) about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88. At this time, the clamping portions 86d1 and 86d2 are in the positions that are opposite each other through the direction (direction of the arrow X8) of the inclination of the coupling element 86. The angle of inclination (pivot) with respect to the axis L1 is a first angle of inclination 01 (first magnitude of the inclination, first angle). In this embodiment, the coupling member 86, the drive-side flange 87, and the pin 88 are constructed in such a way that first tilt angle 01 <second tilt angle 02 is satisfied, for reasons to be described later. with figure 25.

By combining the tilt (pivot) about the axis of the pin 88 and the tilt (pivot) about the axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88, the coupling element 86 is able to tilt (pivot) in a direction other than those described above. Because the combination provides the tilt (pivot) in any direction, the tilt (pivot) angle in any directions is not less than the first tilt angle 01 and is not greater than the second tilt angle 02. In other words , the coupling is pivotable no less than the first angle of inclination 01 (first angle of inclination pivot) and the second angle of inclination (second angle of pivot).

In this manner, the coupling element 86 can be tilted (pivoted) with respect to the axis L1 in substantially any direction. In other words, the coupling member 86 can be tilted (pivoted) with respect to the axis L1 in any directions. That is, the coupling element 86 can oscillate with respect to the axis L1 in any directions. Furthermore, the coupling element 86 can rotate with respect to the axis L1 in any directions. In this case, the rotation of the coupling element 86 consists in rotating the inclined (pivoted) axis L2 about the axis L1.

As described above, the arcuate surface parts 86q1 and 86q2 determine the first angle of inclination 01, and the interconnection part 86g has a dimension that determines the second angle of inclination 02. Therefore, the diameters of the part of interconnect 86g and arcuate surface portions 86q1 and 86q2 may be different from each other, although, in this embodiment, they are the same.

8. Drive part of the main set of the apparatus

Referring to Figures 16 to 18, a structure of the cartridge drive part of the main assembly A of the apparatus will be described.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the drive part of main assembly A of the apparatus (proximity of drive head 14 of part (a) of Figure 4), as seen from inside upstream of the main assembly A of the apparatus with respect to the mounting direction (direction X2) of the process cartridge B. Figure 17 is a disassembled perspective view of the drive part, part (a) of the Figure 18 is a partially enlarged view of the actuating part, and part (b) of Figure 18 is a sectional view, taken along a plane of section S9-S9 of part (a) of the Fig. 18. The cartridge drive part comprises a drive head 14, as the main assembly side engagement part, a first side plate 350, a bracket 300, a drive gear 355 and others.

As shown in part (b) of Fig. 18, a drive shaft 14a of the drive head 14, as the main assembly side engagement portion, is non-rotatably attached to the drive gear 355 by a medium (not shown). Therefore, when the drive gear 355 rotates, the drive head 14, as the main assembly side engagement part, also rotates. The drive shaft 14a is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 300a of the bearing 300 and by a bearing 354 at the respective end portions.

As shown in part (b) of Figures 17 and 18, a motor 352, as the drive source, is mounted on a second side plate 351, and the rotation shaft thereof is provided with a pinion gear. 353. Pinion gear 353 is meshed with drive gear 355. Therefore, when motor 352 rotates, drive gear 355 rotates, and drive head 14, as the main assembly side mating part , it also rotates. Second side plate 351 and bracket 300 are attached to first side plate 350.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the guide element 12, like the guide mechanism, includes a first guide element 12a and a second guide element 12b to guide the assembly of the process cartridge B. At one end Terminal of the first guide member 12a relative to the cartridge mounting direction (X2 direction), a mounting end portion 12c is arranged perpendicular to the X2 direction. Guide element 12 is also attached to first side plate 350.

As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the bracket 300 is provided with the bracket part 300a, to rotatably support the drive shaft 14a of the drive head 14, as the main assembly side coupling part, and a coupling guide 300b. The coupling guide 300b is arranged downstream of the support part 300a with respect to the mounting direction (direction X2) of the process cartridge B (rear side of the main assembly), and is provided with an interconnection part 300b1 and a guide part 300b2. In this case, the interconnection part 300b1 has an arcuate configuration of a diameter $ Z5 around the axis L3, in which the diameter $ Z5 is selected to be greater than the maximum rotational diameter $ Z2 of the end part 86a. free of coupling element 86. A free end of the guide portion 300b2 has an arcuate configuration of diameter Z6 about axis L3. The diameter Z6 is determined with respect to the interconnection portion 86g of the coupling element 86, to provide a predetermined gap S between them. The predetermined gap S is arranged to avoid interference between the interconnection part 86g and the guide part 300b2 taking into account tolerances or others, when the process cartridge B is rotated (which will be described later with Fig. 22).

9. Mounting the process cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus

With reference to Figures 19 to 22, the mounting of the process cartridge B in the main assembly A of the apparatus will be described. In Figures 19 and, parts other than those required for the description of the assembly operation are omitted.

Part (a) of Figures 19, 20 and 21 is a view of the main assembly A of the apparatus as seen from the outside on the drive side. Part (b) of Figure 21 is a perspective view in the state shown in part (a) of Figure 21. Figure 22 is an illustration of details of the proximity of the coupling element 86 in the time when the assembly of the process cartridge B in the main assembly of the apparatus A is completed. In Fig. 22, it is shown that the main assembly A of the apparatus has a drive head 14 as the main assembly side coupling part, a bracket 300 coupling guide 300b and the guide element 12, and the other parts. are elements of process cartridge B.

At (a1) of Fig. 22, the process cartridge B is in the completed mounting position, and the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). In (a2) of Fig. 22, the process cartridge B is in the completed mounting position, and the axis L2 of the coupling element 86 is substantially coaxial with the axis L3 of the drive head 14, as the coupling part of the side of the main set. Part (a3) of Fig. 22 is an illustration of a relationship between the coupling member 86 and the coupling guide 300b at the time the coupling member 86 is tilted (pivoted). Parts (b1) to (b3) of Figure 22 are sectional views taken along lines S10-S10 of (a1) to (a3) of Figure 22, respectively.

As shown in Fig. 19, the guide element 12, like the guide mechanism of the main assembly A of the apparatus, is provided with a pull spring 356, as a bias element (elastic element). Tension spring 356 is rotatably supported on rotation shaft 320c of guide element 12, and its position is limited by stops 12d and 12e. An operating part 356a of the tension spring 356 is urged in the direction of an arrow J in FIG. 19.

As shown in Fig. 19, when the process cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus A, it is inserted such that a first arcuate portion 76d of the process cartridge B moves along the first guide element. 12a, and a projection of the rotation stopper 71c of the process cartridge B moves along the second guide element 12b. The first arcuate part 76d of the process cartridge comes into contact with the guide groove on the side of the main assembly, and at this time, the coupling element 86 is inclined downstream of the mounting direction (direction X2) by the spring at torsion coil 91 as a thrust element (elastic element). In this case, the coupling element 86 is covered by the first arcuate portion 76d of the support element 76. In this way, the process cartridge B can be introduced in the vicinity of the completed mounting position in the state, without interference with any part of the main assembly A of the apparatus in the path of introduction of the process cartridge B.

As shown in Fig. 20, when the process cartridge B is inserted further in the direction of arrow X2 in the figure, the receiving part 76e of the spring of the process cartridge B comes into contact with the operating part 356a. of the tension spring 356. In this way, the operating part 356a is elastically deformed in the direction of the arrow H in the figure.

Subsequently, the process cartridge B is mounted in a predetermined position (mounting position completed) (Figure 21). At this time, the first arcuate part 76d of the process cartridge B is in contact with the first guide element 12a of the guide element 12, and the front end part 76f with respect to the mounting direction is in contact with the part 12c end mount. Similarly, a projection of the rotation stop 71c of the process cartridge B is in contact with a positioning surface 12h of the guide element 12, as the guide mechanism. In this way, the position of the process cartridge B relative to the main assembly A of the apparatus is determined.

At this time, the operating part 356a of the traction spring 356 presses the receiving part 76e of the spring of the process cartridge B in the direction of the arrow J in the figure, to ensure contact between the first arcuate part 76d and the first guide member 12a and the contact between the front end portion 76f and the mounting end portion 12c. In this way, the process cartridge B is correctly positioned in relation to the main assembly A of the apparatus.

When the process cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus A, the coupling element 86 is coupled with the drive head 14, as the main assembly side coupling part (Figure 5), as described above, so that the assembly of the process cartridge B in the main assembly is completed.

As shown in (a1) and (b1) of Figure 22, even when assembly of process cartridge B is completed, coupling member 86 tends to tilt (pivot) in the mounting direction (X2 direction) by the torsion coil spring 91. In other words, even after assembly is completed, the torsion coil spring 91 continues to apply the biasing force to the coupling element 86 (substantially downstream with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge). At this time, the interconnection part 86g is in contact with the guide part 300b2 of the coupling guide 300b, so that the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 is limited. By limiting the amount of inclination of the coupling element 86, the clamping portions 86d1 and 86d2 are simultaneously in contact with the drive pin 14b of the drive head 14. More specifically, the clamping portions are arranged in positions of substantially central symmetry. around the axis of rotation of the coupling element. When the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling element 86 in this state, the axis L2 of the coupling element 86 is substantially aligned with the axis L3 of the drive head 14 by a couple of forces and the contact between the spherical surface portion. 14c and the conical part 86f, as shown in (a2) and (b2) of Fig. 22. And, the gap S described above is arranged between the interconnection part 86g and the guide part 300b2, so that the coupling element 86 can be stably rotated.

When the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling member 86 is not limited, one of the clamping portions 86d1 and 86d2 that make up the pair may not be in contact with the drive pin 14b. In such a case, the torque described above is not supplied, resulting in the inability to align the axis L2 of the coupling element 86 with the axis L3 of the drive head 14.

The coupling guide 300b1 does not interfere with the coupling element 86 in the assembly and disassembly process of the process cartridge B, even when the coupling element 86 is in an inclined (pivoted) state. To accomplish this, the coupling guide 300b is disposed on a non-drive side of the free end portion 86a ((a3) and (b3) of Fig. 22). The cutout portion 76k of the support member 76 is further recessed to the non-drive side of the guide portion 300b2 to avoid interference with the guide portion 300b2. Furthermore, the width Z11 of the cutout portion 76k of the support member 76 measured in the direction perpendicular to the line S10-S10 is greater than the width Z14 of the coupling guide 300b. In this way, the size of the cartridge can be reduced while suppressing interference between the coupling guide and the cartridge.

In this embodiment, the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 by the torsion coil spring 91 is limited by the coupling guide 300b. However, as described above, the tilting (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 may be effected by means other than the torsion coil spring 91. For example, when the coupling element 86 is tilted by the weight thereof , the coupling guide 300b may be arranged on a lower side. As described above, the coupling guide 300b may be arranged in a position where the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 is limited in the assembly of the process cartridge B.

10. Coupling and uncoupling of the coupling in the process cartridge disassembly operation.

Referring to Fig. 24, the removal of the process cartridge B from the main assembly A of the apparatus from the completed mounting position of the process cartridge B while the coupling member 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14, will be described as part coupling on the main assembly side.

The description will be made as an example of this embodiment, in which the clamping portions 86d1 and 86d2 of the coupling element 86 are in the upstream and downstream positions, respectively, with respect to the disassembly direction, as shown. in Fig. 24. In this embodiment, in this state, the phase relationship between the hole portion 86b into which the plug 88 penetrates and the clamping portions 86d1 and 86d2 is such that the axis of the plug 88 is substantially perpendicular to the removal direction (direction X3). The part (a1) of Fig. 24 shows a state from which the disengagement of the coupling member 86 from the main assembly A occurs at the time of the disassembly of the process cartridge B from the main assembly A of the apparatus. Parts (a1) to (a4) of Figure 24 are perspective views, as seen from the outside on the drive side, parts (b1) to (b4) of Figure 24 are sectional views , taken along lines (a1) to (a4) of Figure 24, respectively. In Fig. 24, similarly to Fig. 22, it is shown that the main assembly A of the apparatus has a drive head 14 as the main assembly side coupling part, a bracket 300 coupling guide 300b and the element guide 320, and the other parts are elements of process cartridge B.

Process cartridge B is moved in the removal direction (X3 direction) from the state shown in parts (a1) and (b1) in which the coupling element 86 engages the drive head 14. A Next, as shown in (a2) and (b2) of Figure 24, the L2 axis of the coupling element 86 is inclined (pivoted) with respect to the L1 axis and the L3 axis, while the process cartridge B moves in the removal direction (X3 direction). At this time, the amount of tilt (pivot) of the coupling member 86 is determined by the contact of the free end portion 86a with the parts of the drive head 14 (the drive shaft 14a, the drive pin 14b, the spherical surface part 14c and free end part 14d).

When the process cartridge B is displaced further in the dismounting direction (X3 direction), the coupling element 86 is uncoupled from the drive head 14, as the main assembly side coupling part, as shown in (a3 ) and (b3) of Fig. 24. The coupling member 86 is urged by the torsion coil spring 91, as a biasing means (biasing member), thereby tilting (pivoting) further. The angle of inclination of the coupling element 86 biased by the torsion coil spring, like the biasing element, is greater than the angle of inclination in the direction other than the direction of the thrust.

By contact between the second tilt adjustment part 87n and the interconnection part 86g, the tilt (pivot) of the element 86 is limited. The maximum rotation diameter $ Z2 of the interconnection part 86g and the second angle of inclination 02 are determined so that the coupling element 86 can be tilted (pivoted) such that the upstream clamping part 86d1 to the point in which the disassembly direction can be positioned on the non-drive side beyond the free end portion 14d of the drive head 14. Thus, as shown in (a4) and (b4) of Fig. 24 , the process cartridge B can be disassembled from the main assembly A of the apparatus, while the coupling element 86 is disengaged from the drive head 14, as the main assembly side coupling part.

In the case where the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 are in a different phase from that described above, the coupling element 86 surrounds the parts of the drive head 14, such as the main assembly side coupling part, by tilting (pivoting) and / or the rotation described above, or by a combination of these movements. By the bypass motion, the coupling element 86 can be disengaged from the drive head 14, like the main assembly side coupling part. As shown in (a1) and (b1) of Fig. 23, in the case that the axial direction of the drive pin 14b and the dismounting direction (X3 direction) are substantially perpendicular to each other, the inclination occurs such that the free end portion 86b is directly away from the dismounting direction (X2 direction), so that the clamping portion 86d1 bypasses the drive pin 14b in the non-drive side direction. Or, when the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 oppose each other interposing in the dismounting direction (X3 direction) as shown in (a2) and (b2) of Figure 23, the tilt (pivot) occurs as so that the free end portion 86a moves in the direction (direction X6) parallel to the axial direction of the drive pin 14b. In this way, the clamping portion 86d1 can bypass the drive pin 14b in the direction indicated by the arrow X6. In such a case, it is necessary for the free end portion 86a to move under the axis L3 and the axis L1, and therefore the position of the lower surface 76k1 of the support member 76 is determined as described above. , and the direction of the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 91 is determined so that the free end portion 86a is directed downward. In this case, the terms "lower", "below" and "down" are not necessarily limited to those based on the direction of gravity. More specifically, it will be sufficient if the free end part 86a is movable in the necessary direction so that the clamping part 86d1 positioned on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction (upstream side with respect to the removal direction) to bypass drive pin 14b. Therefore, in the case that the direction R of the rotation movement of the drum 62 is opposite to that of this embodiment, the clamping part positioned on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction is on the upper side, and therefore, the direction in which the free end portion 86a travels is upward. Therefore, in the case where the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 are positioned in the upper and lower positions through the mounting direction X2 of the coupling member 86, it is preferable that the free end part 86a moves toward the clamping part, whereby the direction of the rotation force received from the drive pin 14b is the same as the mounting direction. In the two examples shown in Figure 23, the angle of inclination (pivot) required prior to release of the coupling element 86 from the drive head 14, as the main assembly side coupling portion, may be less than the second angle of inclination 02 shown in Fig. 24. In this embodiment, in the case shown in (a2) and (b2) of Fig. 23, the phase relationship between the hole portion 86b of the coupling element 86 and the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 is determined such that the angle of inclination (pivot) is the first angle of inclination 01. Part (b1) of Figure 23 is a sectional view, taken along the line S11-S11 of (a1) of Figure 23. Part (b2) of Figure 23 is a sectional view taken along line S11-S11 of (a2) of Figure 23.

The dimensions of the parts in this embodiment will be described.

As shown in Fig. 6, the diameter of the free end portion 86a is $ Z1, the diameter of the interconnecting part 86g is $ Z2, the diameter of the sphere of the substantially spherical connecting part 86c is $ Z3 , and the rotational diameters of the clamping parts 86d1 and 86d2 are $ Z4. Also, the diameter of the spherical part of the free end of the drive head 14, as the mating part of the main assembly side, is S $ Z7, and the length of the drive pin 14b is Z5. Furthermore, as shown in (b1) and (b2) of Fig. 15, the magnitude of the possible tilt (possible pivot) (second tilt angle) of the coupling element 86 about the axis of the pin 88 is 02, and the magnitude of the possible inclination (possible pivot) (first angle of inclination) thereof about the axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 is 01. The gap between the interconnection part 86g and the guide part 300b2 at the time when the axis L2 and the axis L3 are substantially coaxial is S.

In this embodiment, 0Z1 = 10mm, $ Z2 = 5mm, $ Z3 = 11mm, $ Z4 = 7mm, Z5 = 8.6mm, S $ Z7 = 6mm, 01 = 30 °, 02 = 40 ° and S = 0.15 mm.

These dimensions are examples, and are not limiting for the present invention, if similar operations are possible. More specifically, it will suffice if 01 and 02 are not less than about 20 ° and not greater than about 60 °. Preferably, these are not less than 25 ° and not greater than 45 °. More preferably, 01 <02 is satisfied, and 01 is not less than about 20 ° and not more than about 35 °, and 02 is not less than about 30 ° and not more than about 60 °. The difference between 01 and 02 is not less than about 3 ° and not more than about 20 °, and preferably, it is not less than about 5 ° and not more than about 15 °. Consideration will be given to designing angles 01 and 02 such that, as shown in figure 25, when cartridge B is mounted, the front (to be described later) is positioned on the non-drive side beyond the free end portion 14d of the drive head 14 and on the drive side beyond the guide portion 300b2. With such a design, the coupling 86 can be properly coupled with the drive head 14. The free end part is the front end part 86d11 of the clamping part 86d1 when the angle of inclination of the coupling element 86 is the second angle. of inclination 02, and is the bearing part 86k1, in which the angle of inclination of the coupling element 86 is the first angle of inclination 01. Because the bearing part 86k1 is closer to the axis of rotation C than the front end part 86d11, and therefore, if the first angle of inclination 01 <second angle of inclination 02 is satisfied, the position of the front end part in the direction of the axis L1 when the coupling element 86 is inclined can be made similar. Thus, it is not necessary to enlarge the gap between the drive head 14 and the guide part 300b2, so that the size of the main assembly A of the apparatus and / or the cartridge B can be reduced.

With $ Z1 <$ Z3, the assembly is easy as in this embodiment. Also, fulfilling $ Z1 <$ Z10 <$ Z3 taking into account the minimum diameter $ Z10 of the conical part 87k as the part to prevent disengagement (cantilever part, part to prevent disengagement), the position of the coupling element 86 in drive side flange unit U2 can be determined with great precision.

According to this embodiment, the conventional cartridge which can be disassembled outside of the main assembly after being moved in the predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the main assembly side engagement part can be further improved.

<Realization 2>

This embodiment will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the structures of the parts other than a free end portion 286a of a coupling element 286, a drive head 214, and a coupling guide 400b are similar to those of the first embodiment and therefore the description of said other parts is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. Even if the same reference numerals are assigned, the parts can be partially modified to match the structure of this embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of the coupling element 286 and the drive head 214, as the main assembly side coupling portion. Part (a) of figure 26 is a side view, part (b) of figure 26 is a perspective view, part (c) of figure 26 is a sectional view, taken along of a line S21-S21 of part (a) of Figure 26. Part (d) of Figure 26 is a sectional view, taken along a line S22-S22 of part (a) of FIG. 26, the line S22-S22 being perpendicular to a receiving portion 286e1 and passing through the center of an actuating pin 214b, as the engaging portion.

As shown in FIG. 26, the configurations of the clamping portions 286d1 and 286d2 of the coupling element 286 are different from those of the first embodiment. The clamping parts 286d1, 286d2 have respective flat inner wall surfaces 286s1, 286s2 oriented towards the axis L2, and the width Z21 of the receiving parts 286e1, 286e2 in the diametrical direction is greater than those of Embodiment 1. More specifically Compared with Embodiment 1, the widths of the clamping portions 286d1, 286d2 in the diametrical direction are larger. The diameter $ Z22 of an inscribed circle of the inner wall surfaces 286s1,286s2 about the axis L2 is greater than the diameter $ Z7 of the drive shaft 214a of the drive head 214. In this case, the magnitude of the overlap between the drive pins 214b1, 214b2 and the receiving parts 286e1, 286e2 in part (d) of Figure 26 in the axial direction of the drive pins 214b1,214b2 (direction perpendicular to the axis L2 (L3)) is called magnitude coupling Z23. On the other hand, the drive head 214 is arranged in a base portion of the drive pin 214b with a spherical receiving surface portion 214c and a recess 214e recessed from the drive shaft 214a on a downstream side of drive pin 214b with respect to the direction of rotary movement (direction R).

Referring to FIG. 27, the coupling and uncoupling operations between the coupling element 286 and the drive head 214 when the process cartridge B is mounted and removed from the main assembly A of the apparatus will be described in detail. The peculiar operation of this embodiment will be described. This is when the phase of the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2 deviates from the removal direction (X3 direction) of cartridge B by a predetermined amount 04, eg 04 = 60 °, which case will be described. Figure 27 is an illustration of the operation of the coupling element 286 when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A of the apparatus. Parts (a1) to (a4) of Figure 27 are views as seen from the outside on the drive side of the main assembly A, showing the disassembly of the process cartridge B from the main assembly A of the apparatus, in this order. Parts (b1) to (b4) of Figure 27 are sectional views taken along lines S23-S23 of (a1) to (a4) of Figure 27 as viewed from the bottom. For better illustration, coupling element 286, drive head 214, and pin 88 are not sectional views.

As shown in (a1) of Fig. 27, when the process cartridge B is disassembled from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the cartridge B is first in the completed mounting position in the main assembly A of the apparatus, in which coupling element 286 is coupled with drive head 214. In many cases, process cartridge B is removed from main assembly A of the apparatus after completing a series of imaging operations. At this time, the receiving portions 286e1 and 286e2 of the coupling element are brought into contact with the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2, respectively.

From the state, the cartridge B is moved in the removal direction (X3 direction, and is shown in (a2) and (b2) of Fig. 27. The B cartridge is moved in the removal direction (X3 direction) while the The axis L2 of the coupling element 286 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the flange 87 of the drive side and the axis L3 of the drive head 214. At this time, the clamping part 286d1 (receiving part 286e1) on the side downstream the drive pin 214b1 with respect to the removal direction (direction X3) is kept in contact with the drive pin 214b1.

Cartridge B is moved further in the removal direction (X3 direction), as shown in (a3) and (b3) of Figure 27. Then the L2 axis is further tilted (pivoted) so that a first tilt-regulated part 286p1 and 286p2 (not shown) and plug 88, as the first tilt-set part, are brought into contact with each other, or the second tilt-set part 87n and the interconnect part 286g, as the second part regulated in inclination, are brought into contact with each other, in a similar way to the first embodiment. By this, the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 286 is limited. In the case of the phase (0 = 60 °) of the drive pin 214b and the clamping parts 286d1 and 286d2 shown in Fig. 27, the clamping part 286d1 (receiving part 286e1) may not move to the side of no actuation of the actuation pin 214b, but can maintain the contact state. This is because the displacement distances of the clamping parts 286d1 and 286d2 towards the non-drive side due to the inclination (pivoting) of the axis L2 are small.

At this time, since the drive head 214 is provided with the cutout portion 214e, the coupling member 286 is tilted (pivoted) in the direction of an arrow X5, so that the clamping portions 286d1 and 286d2 move to along drive pins 214b and 214b2.

As shown in (a4) and (b4) of Fig. 27, the coupling element 286 is further inclined (pivoted) in the direction of arrow X5 by the clamping portion 286d2 entering the cutout portion 214e. Due to the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 286, the contact between the clamping part 286d1 and the drive pin 214b1 is released in the direction of the arrow X5. In this way, the process cartridge B can be detached from the main assembly A of the apparatus.

In this embodiment, compared to Embodiment 1, the widths Z21 of the receiving portions 286e1 and 286e2 are larger. More specifically, the width of the base portion is approximately 1.5mm. With such a structure, the magnitude of the coupling Z23 (part (d) of Fig. 26) between the drive pin 214b1, 214b2 and the receiving part 286e1, 286e2 in the axial direction of the drive pin 214b is greater than that of of Embodiment 1. In this way, the coupling between the pair of applying parts and the pair of receiving parts is ensured, so that the stabilized transmission is performed regardless of the variation of the precision of the part or others. By increasing the width of the base part of the receiving part, the transmission of the driving force can be stabilized, but if it is too large, the interference with the driving head may occur as a result of an adverse effect. Therefore, it is preferable that in an imaginary horizontal plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coupling element and including the receiving part for receiving the driving force from the coupling part, the angle between the axis of rotation and the line connecting the end portions of the projections is not less than about 10 ° and not more than about 30 °. Taking into account the stiffness for the reception of the drive, the width of the base part is 1.0 mm or more.

It is desired that the cutout portion 214e be sufficient to allow disengagement between the coupling member 286 and the drive head 214, even when the magnitude of the engagement Z23 is greater than the gap between the inside diameter $ Z24 of the clamping portion and the diameter Z27 of the cylindrical part of the drive head 214. Therefore, it is arranged to allow a large inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 in the direction of the arrow X5. In this case, the large inclination means that the clamping portions 286d1 and 286d2 can be moved towards the drive pins 214b1 and 214b2 a distance greater than the magnitude of the coupling Z23.

Referring to Fig. 28, the structure of the coupling guide 400b in this embodiment will be described. The structure of the coupling guide 400b is similar to that of Embodiment 1, but the gap S2 between the interconnection portion 286g of the coupling element 286 and the coupling guide 400b is different from that of the first embodiment.

Figure 28 is an illustration of the coupling guide 400b and (a1) (b1) of Figure 28 showing the state in which the cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A of the apparatus, and the axis L2 of the element 286 The coupling remains tilted (pivoted). Parts (a2) and (b2) of Fig. 28 show the state in which the L2 axis is aligned with the L1 axis and the L3 axis. Part (b1) of Figure 28 is a sectional view, taken along a line S24-S24 of (a1) of Figure 28. Part (b2) of Figure 28 is a sectional view , taken along a line S24 - S24 of (a2) of figure 28

As shown in (a1) and (b1) of Figure 28, the coupling guide 400b is capable of limiting the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 286, so that the coupling between the actuating pin 214b and the clamping portion 286d1 is held even when coupling member 286 is tilted (pivoted). In this embodiment, as described above, the magnitude of the coupling Z23 is greater than that of Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the gap S2 in (b2) of Figure 28 is greater than the gap S in Embodiment 1 ((b2) of figure 22). Despite such conditions, the engagement between the drive pin 214b1 and the receiving portion 286e1 can be maintained to adequately transmit the rotation even as the tilt (pivot) of the engagement member 86 increases. In this way, the gap S2 can be made larger than in Embodiment 1, and therefore the dimensional accuracy of the interconnecting part 286g and / or the guide part 400b2 can be relaxed.

As described above, the magnitude of the coupling Z23 between the drive pin 214b1, 214b2 and the clamping portion 286d1, 286d2 increases, and the drive head 214 is provided with the cutout portion 214e. In this way, when the cartridge B is disassembled from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the coupling between the coupling element 286 and the drive head 214 can be released. Furthermore, with the structure of this embodiment, the gap S2 between the guide Coupling 400b and interconnecting part 286g can be increased compared to Embodiment 1, whereby the required part precision can be alleviated.

<Embodiment 3>

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 29 is an illustration of a coupling element 386 and a drive head 314, as the main assembly side coupling portion. Fig. 30 is an illustration of a R configuration part 386g1 and shows a state in which the cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly A of the apparatus. Figure 31 is an illustration of a support member 387 and coupling member 386, and is a perspective view and a sectional view.

The coupling element 386 is provided with lightening parts 386c2 - 386c9 in a connection part 386c that is different from Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. The diameter of an interconnection part 386g is small, and a thickness defined by a part Spring receiving 386h and receiving surface 386f is small. In this way, material can be saved.

To provide the lightening portions 386c2-386c9, it is preferred that the spherical portion 386c1 remains uniformly along the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the connecting part 386c is constructed such that the void space of the spherical part 386c1 provided by the lightening parts 386c2-386c9 and the hole part 386b is less than 90 ° continuously. The spherical part can be substantially spherical considering lightening and / or manufacturing variation or others. With the above-described structure of the connecting part 386c, the position of the coupling member 86 in the drive-side flange unit U32 can be stabilized. In particular, the position of the coupling element can be stabilized in the position of the line S14 - S14 supported by the housing part 87i and in the position opposite the conical part 87k and the base part 89a, as shown in part (c) of figure 29.

An arcuate surface part 386q1 and an arcuate surface part 386q2 have different diameters between Yes.

As shown in FIG. 30, an R (rounded) configuration 386g1 is disposed between the interconnection portion 386g and the spring receiving portion 386h. As described above, a clearance is provided in the drive-side flange unit U32, to allow a small amount of movement of the coupling member 386 in the direction of the axis L1. When the coupling member 386a is moved to the non-drive side within the clearance range, the magnitude of the coupling Z38 between the drive pin 314b and the clamping portion 386d1, 386d2 in the direction of the L1 axis decreases. In this case, the magnitude of the coupling Z38 is a distance in the direction of the axis L3 between the center point of the arcuate configuration of the drive pin 314b and the free end of the clamping portion 386d1. Furthermore, when the coupling element 386 is tilted to the extent that the interconnection part 386g and a guide part 330b2 of the coupling guide 330b are in contact with each other, the magnitude of the coupling Z38 between the drive pin 314b and at the clamping portion 386d1, 386d2 decreases, possibly resulting in an adverse effect on the transmission of the driving force. However, by arranging the R-configuration portion 386g1, the free end of the guide portion 330b2 of the coupling guide 330b is brought into contact with the R-configuration portion 386g1 when the coupling member 386 is moved toward the rear. non-drive side. Thus, compared to the case where the interconnection part 86g is in contact with the guide part 300b2, as in Embodiment 1, the inclination of the coupling element 386 can be reduced. Therefore, the provision of the R configuration portion 386g1 is effective to avoid simultaneous occurrences of the decrease in the magnitude of the coupling Z38 attributable to the displacement of the coupling element 386 towards the non-actuation side and the reduction in the magnitude of the coupling. Z38 attributable to the inclination of the coupling element 386 386. The R-configuration portion 386g1 is not limited to the arcuate configuration, but may be a conical surface configuration with similar effects.

As shown in Fig. 29, in this embodiment, the clamping parts 386d1 and 386d2 have a flat surface at the free end parts, thereby increasing the thickness in the circumferential direction, thereby reducing the deformation of clamping portions 386d1 and 386d2 during drive transmission. Furthermore, to define the portion pressed by the torsion coil spring 91, the spring receiving portion 386h is provided with a spring receiving groove 386h1 (portion (d) of FIG. 30, also). The part that contacts the second arm 91b of the spring 91 is regulated, and by applying a lubricant to it, the sliding between the second arm 91b and the coupling element 386 is always carried out with grease between them, and therefore, rubbing of these items and sliding noise can be reduced. Coupling element 386 is made of metal, and torsion coil spring 91 is also made of metal. In the state that the coupling element 386 is rotating by the driving force received from the main assembly side coupling part 314, the torsion coil spring 91 continues to apply the biasing force to the coupling element. Therefore, during the imaging operation, sliding occurs between the metallic elements, and, to reduce the influence thereof, it is preferable to arrange a lubricant at least between the coupling element 386 and the torsion coil spring 91 .

On the other hand, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 29, the driving pin 314b of the main assembly side coupling part 314 is not necessarily a circular column configuration element. The diameter s Z36 of the spherical surface portion 314c is greater than the diameter s Z6 of the spherical surface portion 14c and the diameter Z37 of the drive shaft 314a in Embodiment 1, because it is in contact with a surface of receiving 386f that is thinner than Embodiment 1. For the purpose of sliding engagement (and disengagement) with the engagement member 386, a conical surface 314e1 is disposed in a minute stepped portion between the cutout portion 314e and the shaft of drive 314a.

The diameter of the free end of the guide portion 330b2 of the coupling guide 330b shown in Fig. 30 is smaller than that of Embodiment 1, because the diameter of the interconnecting portion 386g is smaller than that of Embodiment 1.

Referring to FIG. 31, support member 376 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 31, the width Z32 of a cutout portion 376k of the support member 376 is greater than the diameter Z31 of the free end portion 386a, so that the free end portion 386a is directed downward. with respect to the mounting direction X2 and the axis L1, similarly to Embodiment 1. On the other hand, a plate-like part 376h is arranged in the position closer to the drive side than in Embodiment 1. Therefore Thus, when the coupling member 386 is tilted, the outermost circumference (portion Z31) of the free end portion 386a is in contact with a bottom surface 376k1 of the cutout portion 376k. Thus, the downward inclination of the coupling element 386 is limited regardless of the angle of inclination of the coupling element 386, and therefore, the coupling with the main assembly side coupling part 314b is further stabilized. (In Embodiment 1, the conical spring receiving part 87h is in contact with the lower surface 76k1, and therefore the magnitude of the downward inclination of the coupling element 86 is different depending on the angle of inclination of the element. 86 coupling).

A hook part 376g of the spring comprises a retaining part 376g1, an introduction opening 376g2 and a support part 376g3. The introduction opening 376g2 and the support part 376g3 are connected to each other by a conical part 376g4 so that the spring 91 can slide smoothly in the direction of an arrow X10. The outermost diameter Z33 of the retaining part 376g1 and the insertion opening 376g2 and the outermost diameter of the support part 376g3 are smaller than the inner diameter Z35 of the spiral part 91c of the spring 91. With the described structure above the hook portion 376g of the spring, the coil portion 91c can easily slide around the hook portion 376g of the spring, and displacement of the coil portion 91c in the disengagement direction of the retaining portion 376g1 by support part 376g3 can be deleted. Thus, the possibility of disengaging the spring 91 from the hook portion 376g of the spring can be reduced. The hook portion 376g of the spring does not protrude beyond the first protruding portion 376j outwardly (drive side), so that the possibility of damage to the hook portion 376g of the spring during transportation is reduced.

In this embodiment, it is preferred that the retaining portion 376g1 is disposed on the opposite side of the hook portion 376g of the spring through the coupling element 386 (lower left side in portion (a) of FIG. 31).

To briefly describe it, a reaction force received by the torsion coil spring 91 (a force resulting from a force F91 a received by the first arm 91a and a force F91 b received by the second arm 91 b) is directed toward the side of the coupling element 386 (upper right side in part (a) of figure 31). In this way, the spiral portion 91c moves towards the coupling element 386. Therefore, the above-described position of the retaining portion 376g is effective to ensure that the mounting property of the torsion coil spring 91 prevents its disengagement. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in part (c) of Fig. 31, when the coupling element 386 is inclined to be close to the side of the spiral part 91c, the first arm and the second arm are substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, the force F91a and the force F91b cancel out, and therefore the reaction force received by the torsion coil spring 91 is reduced. In this way, the force F91 is not directed towards the retaining portion 376g1, thereby reducing the possibility of disengagement of the torsion coil spring 91 from the hook portion of the spring 376g. The support member 376 is provided with a contact preventing rib 376j5 and a contact preventing surface 376j2 to prevent contact of the coupling member 386 with the spiral portion 91c. Thus, even when the coupling element 386 is inclined near the spiral portion 91c, the coupling element 386 comes into contact with the contact-preventing rib 376j5, the contact-preventing surface 376j2, so that it prevents contact of the free end portion 386a with the spiral portion 91c. Thus, the possibility of disengaging the spiral portion 91c from the retaining portion 376g1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, radially inside the first protruding part 376j, a space 376j4 is provided to allow movement of the second arm of the spring 91. In this case, the second arm 91b has a length such that an arm part 91b1 of the second arm 91b may always be in contact with spring receiving portion 386h (FIG. 29) of coupling member 386. Thus, contact of the free end 91b2 of the second arm with the spring receiving portion 386h can be prevented.

In this embodiment, preventing disengagement of the torsion coil spring 91 is done by shaping the hook portion 376g of the spring, but can be done using the application of a silicon bond or hot melt. Alternatively, another element of resin material may be used for disengagement prevention.

<Embodiment 4>

Referring to Fig. 32, another drive-side flange unit structure and a support member supporting it in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the other different parts of the drive-side flange unit and the support member are the same as in the first embodiment, and the descriptions thereof are omitted, assigning the same reference numerals. Even if the same reference numerals are assigned, the parts can be partially modified to match the structure of this embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 32, in this embodiment, a first protruding part 476j of the support member 476 is divided into upper and lower parts. The mounting property of the torsion coil spring 91 relative to the hook portion 476g of the spring using a mounting tool or device is improved because the parts of the proximity structure are smaller. In Embodiment 1, the support part 76a, like the second protruding part, protrudes from the plate-like part 76h towards the non-drive side, it is possible that a support part 476a is arranged inside a hollow part 476i , as shown in parts (c) and (d) of Fig. 32. In such a case, the supported part 487d of the drive-side flange 487 is preferably arranged in a second cylindrical part 487h provided that the inclination (pivoting) of the coupling element 86 is not influenced. In this case, there is no second protruding part (support part 76a) in the annular groove part 87p, and therefore, it is not necessary for the drive-side flange 487 to be provided with an annular groove part 487p. Or, even if a 487p portion of annular groove from the point of view of convenience in molding the resin material, it is possible that a first cylindrical part 487j and the second cylindrical part 487h are connected using rib configuration parts 487p1 - 487p4 to suppress the formation of the moment in which drive is transmitted to drive-side flange 487.

<Embodiment 5>

Referring to Fig. 33, another structure of the drive-side flange unit and a support member supporting it in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the other different parts of the drive-side flange unit and the support member are the same as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals. Even if the same reference numerals are assigned, the parts may be partially modified to match the structure of this embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 33, a cutout portion 576k of the support member 576 in this embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the cutout portion 76k has been in the form of a slot recess from the plate-like part 76h toward the non-drive side and extending in parallel with the mounting direction X2. The cutout portion 576k of the support member 576 is common with that of Embodiment 1 in that it is lowered from the plate-like portion 576h to the non-drive side, but the slot-like configuration is not unavoidable. It will be sufficient if the recess of the plate-like part 576h is sufficient to provide a space to allow inclination of the coupling element 86, and a bottom surface 576k1 is capable of limiting the position of the coupling element 86 (free end part 86a ) in the vertical direction.

In Embodiment 1, the supported portion 87d is disposed on an inner circumference of the first cylindrical portion 87j of the drive-side flange 87, but, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 587h is used as the supported part 587d. In one of the support members 576, a support portion 576a, like the second protruding portion, enters a slot portion 587p to support the supported portion 587d. The second cylindrical part 587h protrudes more towards the drive side than the first cylindrical part 587j, and therefore, by arranging the supported part 587d in the second cylindrical part 587, the support length in the direction of the axis L1 can be increased. , compared to the case where the supported part is arranged in the first cylindrical part 587j.

(Other realizations)

In the above embodiments, the coupling element is housed in the flange unit of the photosensitive drum, but this is not unavoidable, and will suffice if the cartridge is driven through the coupling element. More specifically, the structure may be that a developing roller rotates through a coupling element. The present invention is suitably applied to a developer cartridge that does not comprise a photosensitive drum in which the rotational force is transmitted from the main assembly side engaging part to the developing roller. In such a case, the coupling member 86 transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 32, as the rotating member, instead of the photosensitive drum.

The present invention is applicable to the structure in which the driving force is transmitted only to the photosensitive drum. In the above embodiments, the drive-side flange 87, as a force receiving element, is attached to a longitudinal end portion of the drum 62 which is the rotatable element, the drive-side flange 87 may be a non-independent independent portion. attached to it. For example, it may be a gear element with which the driving force is transmitted to drum 62 and / or development roller 32 through a gear connection.

In the above embodiments, the cartridge B is for forming monochrome images. However, this is not inevitable. The structures and concept of the embodiments described above are suitably applied to a cartridge for forming multi-color images (two-color images or full-color images, for example) using a variety of developing means.

An assembly and disassembly path of the cartridge B with respect to the main assembly A of the apparatus may be a linear path, a combination of linear paths, or a curved path, and the structures of the embodiments described above may be used in such cases.

[INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY]

The structures of the above embodiments can be applied to a cartridge usable with an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a drive transmission device therefor.

[Reference numerals]

3: laser scanner unit (exposure medium, exposure device)

7: transfer roller

9: fixing device (fixing means)

12: guide element (guide mechanism)

12a: first guide element

12b: second guide element

13: door opening and closing

14: drive head (main assembly side coupling part)

14a: drive shaft (part of shaft)

14b: drive pin (application part)

20: development unit

21: toner housing container

22: closing element

23: development container

32: development roller (development medium, process medium, rotating element)

60: cleaning unit

62: photosensitive drum (photosensitive element, rotating element)

64: non-drive side flange

66: charge roller (charge medium, process medium)

71: cleaning frame

74: exposure window

75: coupling element

76: support element (support element)

76b: guide part

76d: arched first part

76f: second part arched

77: cleaning blade (extraction medium, process medium)

78: drum shaft

86: coupling element

86a: free end part (cartridge side mating part)

86b1: transmission part

86p1,86p2: first part regulated in inclination (pivot)

86 connection part (hosted part)

86d1, 86d2: outgoing

86e1, 86e2: receiving part

86f: reception area

86g: interconnection part

86h: spring reception part

86k1, 86k2: support part

86m: opening

86z: downgrade

87: drive side flange (force receiving element)

87b: fixed part

87d: supported part

87e: orifice part

87f: retention part

87g: receiving part

87k: tapered part

87m: opening

87n: second part of tilt regulation

87i: housing part

88: peg (part of tree, tree)

89: closing element (regulating element)

90: screw (clamping means, clamping means)

A: Electrophotographic Imaging Apparatus Main Assembly (Apparatus Main Assembly) B: Process Cartridge (Cartridge)

T: toner (developer)

P: sheet (sheet material, recording material)

R: sense of rotary movement

S: gap

U1: photosensitive drum unit (drum unit)

U2: drive side flange unit (flange unit)

L1: electrophotographic photosensitive drum rotation axis

L2: axis of rotation of the coupling element

L3: rotation axis of the main assembly side coupling part

01: tilt angle (first angle)

02: angle of inclination (second angle)

Claims (20)

1. Cartridge, mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, said cartridge comprising a tiltable coupling element (86; 286; 386), wherein the main assembly includes a part ( 14; 214; 314) rotating coupling to engage with said coupling element (86; 286; 386), and a coupling guide (300b; 400b; 330b), positioned downstream of an axis of rotation of the part (14 ; 214; 314) of coupling with respect to a mounting direction of said cartridge, so that it is contacted by said coupling element (86; 286; 386) inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the part (14; 214; 314 ) of coupling to guide said coupling element (86; 286; 386) so that it is parallel to the axis of rotation of the coupling part (14; 214; 314), said cartridge can be mounted in the main assembly in the direction of mounting substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation part number (14; 214; 314) coupling, said cartridge comprising: a frame (71.76; 376; 476; 576); a rotating element (62), for transporting a developer; Y a rotary force receiving element (87), to receive a rotational force that will be transmitted to said rotary element (62); said coupling element (86; 286; 386) including a free end portion (86a; 286a; 386a) having a force receiving portion (86e1, 86e2; 286e1, 286e2), to receive the rotational force from the coupling part (14; 214; 314), and a connecting part (86c; 386c), having a force transmitting part (86b1, 86b2), for transmitting the rotational force received by said force receiving part (86e1, 86e2; 286e1, 286e2) to said force receiving element (87), said coupling element (86; 286; 386) being able to be inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of said force receiving element (87) , including said frame (71, 76; 376; 476; 576): an orifice portion (76i; 476i), for exposing said free end portion (86a; 286a; 386a) to the exterior of said frame (71, 76; 376; 476; 576), and a receiving part (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) of the coupling guide, arranged downstream of said hole part (76i; 476i) with respect to the mounting direction, to receive said element (86; 286; 386 ) coupling when said coupling element (86; 286; 386) is inclined to a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, and to receive said coupling guide (300b; 400b; 330b) in place of said element ( 86; 286; 386) coupling in the coupling of said coupling element (86; 286; 386) with the coupling part, wherein said receiving portion (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) of the coupling guide includes a recess (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) arranged in said frame (71, 76; 376; 476; 576), which extends from said hole portion (76i; 476i) downstream with respect to the mounting direction, wherein said recess (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) is recessed to avoid interference with said guide (300b; 400b; 330b ) coupling when said cartridge is mounted on said main assembly in the mounting direction. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said recess (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) is a slot portion. Cartridge according to claim 2, wherein a lateral surface of said slot portion (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) is not in contact with the coupling guide (300b; 400b; 330b) entering said part (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) of slot. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said coupling element (86; 286; 386) is capable of entering said recess (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) by tilting. A cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the width measured in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction of said slot portion (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) is greater than the diameter of said portion (86a; 286a ; 386a) free end of said coupling element (86; 286; 386). Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a tiltable angle of said coupling element (86; 286; 386) towards said receiving portion (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) of the Coupling guide is greater than a tiltable angle of said coupling element (86; 286; 386) in another direction. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in a state in which said coupling element (86; 286; 386) receives the rotational force of the part (14; 214; 314) of coupling, said coupling element (86; 286; 386) is out of contact with said coupling guide (300b; 400b; 330b). 8. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in a state that said cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, said orifice portion (76i; 476i) and said guide (300b; 400b; 330b) Coupling are superimposed on each other, in a direction of the axis of rotation of said force receiving element (87). Cartridge according to any of claims 1-8, further comprising a biasing member (91) for biasing said coupling member (86; 286; 386) to tilt so that said portion (86a; 286a; 386a) The free end of said coupling element (86; 286; 386) moves towards said receiving part (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) of the coupling guide. 10. Cartridge according to claim 9 insofar as this claim refers back to claim 2, in which said coupling element (86; 286; 386) pushed by said push element (91) is regulated in a position thereof by contact with a lateral surface of said groove portion (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k). Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said frame (71, 76; 376; 476; 576) further includes a projection (76j; 376j; 476j) of the frame located on said portion (76i ; 476i) of orifice and protruding out of said cartridge beyond said receiving portion (76k; 376k; 476k; 576k) of the coupling guide. Cartridge according to claim 11, wherein, in a state in which said cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, said projection (76j; 376j; 476j) of the frame receives a biasing force from the main assembly. Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said coupling element (86; 286; 386) is provided with a through hole (86b; 386b) penetrating said connecting part (86c; 386c). 14. Cartridge according to claim 13, further comprising a shaft part (88) penetrating said through hole (86b; 386b) to receive the rotational force from the force transmission part (86b1, 86b2) , wherein the opposite end portions thereof are supported by said force receiving element (87). Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said free end portion (86a; 286a; 386a) is provided with two coupling projections (86d1, 86d2; 286d1, 286d2; 386d1, 386d2) having said force receiving parts (86e1, 86e2; 286e1, 286e2) arranged in positions substantially of central symmetry with respect to the axis of rotation of said coupling element (86; 286; 386), and in which a first angle that is can tilt said coupling element (86; 286; 386) with respect to the axis of rotation of said rotary element (62) towards a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction in a state in which an imaginary line connecting said two coupling lugs (86d1, 86d2; 286d1, 286d2; 386d1, 386d2) is perpendicular to the mounting direction when said cartridge is displaced with respect to the main assembly in the mounting direction, it is less than a second angle that can be tilted said element (86; 286; 386) of coupling with respect to the axis of rotation of said rotating element (62) towards a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction in a state in which an imaginary line connecting said two coupling projections (86d1, 86d2; 286d1, 286d2; 386d1, 386d2) is parallel to the mounting direction as seen in a direction of the axis of rotation of said rotating element (62) when said cartridge is displaced relative to the main assembly in the mounting direction. 16. A cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the first angle and the second angle are not less than about 20 °. 17. A cartridge according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the difference between the first angle and the second angle is not less than about 3 °, and not more than about 20 °. Cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said force receiving element (87) is provided with a receiving part on the side of the force receiving element (87i) therein, and in the that all or a part of said connection part (86c; 386c) is housed in said housing part on the side of the force receiving element (87i). 19. Cartridge according to claim 14, wherein an angle formed between said part (88) of the shaft and the imaginary line is not less than about 55 ° and not more than about 125 ° when the axis of rotation of said element ( 86; 286; 386) of coupling is parallel to the axis of rotation of said rotating element (62). 20. Cartridge according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein an angle formed between two lines connecting the axis of rotation of said coupling element (86; 286; 386) and the end portions of said coupling projection (86d1,86d2; 286d1, 286d2; 386d1, 386d2) in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said coupling element (86; 286; 386) is not less than approximately 10 ° and not greater than approximately 30 °.